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History

A level and Applied

History

Course type: A level
Awarding/exam body: Pearson Edexcel

Do you want to understand the history that makes Britain unique?

Are you fascinated by the forces and incidents that changed world history?

You can choose:

EITHER to explore the fascinating history of social, political and cultural change in twentieth century Britain and America, along with the persecution and resistance of women as witches in the early modern period,

OR the revolutionary conflicts of Stuart Britain and 20th century Russia, combined with the battle for civil rights in America from the Civil War to Obama’s election.

Throughout the course, which includes source work, essays, research and debate, you’ll develop your independent research skills and improve your ability to question and discuss. You’ll also refine your ability to select and deploy evidence to support historical perspectives, and cultivate clear, concise and accurate written and oral skills.

We offer a choice of two History courses:

OPTION 1: Democracies in Change
Unit 01: Britain transformed: 1918-97
Unit 02: The USA 1955-92: conformity and challenge
Unit 03: The witch craze in Britain, Europe & North America: 1580–1750
Unit 04: Coursework on 20th Century Britain

OPTION 2: Revolutions & Empire
Unit 01: Britain 1625–1701: conflict, revolution and settlement
Unit 02: Russia in revolution: 1894–1924
Unit 03: Civil Rights and Race Relations in America: 1860-2009
Unit 04: Coursework on the development of the Russian Revolution

80% exam (Unit 1= 30%, Unit 2 = 20%, Unit 3 = 30%) and 20% coursework (a 4000-word essay).

History is a well-respected A level, which many students continue to study at degree level. It is useful for any career – particularly those which involve research, analysing information and constructing arguments. History students often progress to careers in politics, the Civil Service, banking and management consultancy, journalism, teaching, law, public relations and advertising.

6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at Grade 4 or above. An average GCSE Score of at least 4.3 Grade 5 in English Language. We’ll consider you if you have a Grade 4 in English Language and a Grade 5 in another humanities subject if we have availability.

  • Workshops at the National Archives and National Maritime Museum
  • Trips to historical plays and films
  • Join our Hidden History club
  • Volunteer for the Lessons from Auschwitz
  • Compete in the Historical Association’s Great Debate

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Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

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Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

Male Student

Upcoming Events

Open Day

Saturday, October 18 · 10am – 2pm

Explore your options and secure your offer from Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College for September 2026.

Book your place to visit London’s top performing sixth form college with a 98% pass rate in A levels, BTECs, UAL Diplomas and T Levels.

Hire Our Spaces

Hold your next event with us in one of our many available spaces. Choose from: a multi-use games area, sports hall, dining hall and garden, multi-purpose hall, dance/drama studio, fitness suite, meeting/conference rooms, computer suite, chapel and music studio. Kitchen and catering facilities and free parking are also available.

Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

Student with child

What Our
Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

Joshua, former Sociology student

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