Students follow a common course in Years 7 to 9 (ages 11-14). National Curriculum Key Stage 3 testing takes place during the summer term of year 9. In years 10 and 11 pupils follow a course leading to the Key Stage 4 GCSE examinations usually in 9 or 10 subjects, some of which are optional. At ECUS pupils study English, Maths, a foreign language (French or Spanish) and two or three sciences (from Chemistry, Physics and Biology). In order to study a balanced curriculum, pupils chose a “Social” subject; and either Art, Music; or a technical subject (e.g. Business studies); plus another subject.

The Sixth Form provides a two- or in some cases a three-year course leading to the GCE A-level examinations. The large majority of pupils choose three or four subjects to study throughout the two years period. In order to embark on an A-level course, we usually recommend that a pupil should posses a minimum of three GCSE subjects at grade C or above. Pupils wishing to enter the Sixth Form, who have not achieved this, are encouraged to follow the three-year option, concentrating mainly on GCSE subjects in the first year of the course. Certain pupils have, in the past, found this to be highly beneficial, and have progressed with great success to A-levels and then on to university.