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Chemistry

A level and Applied

Chemistry

Course type: A level
Awarding/exam body: AQA

Are you interested in understanding the elementary building blocks of our world?

Do you want to solve problems and think critically?

Then A level Chemistry is the challenge you’re looking for. Chemistry is the study of the substances that make up matter; the investigation of their properties and reactions, and how to use those reactions to create new substances.

The curriculum will pique your curiosity and develop investigative skills that will lead to a deep knowledge of the fundamental aspects of Chemistry. The elementary building blocks of life begin with Chemistry, and you’ll learn how they are everywhere; in the air we breathe, in food, and in medicine. It’s Chemistry that makes up our environment and will determine the future of our planet.

We strongly recommend that you study Chemistry with another science, and/or Maths.

YEAR 1

Atomic Structure and Moles, Structure and Bonding

Acids, Bases and Group 2, Hydrocarbons, Energetics, Redox Reactions and Group 7, Rates and Equilibrium, Further Organic Chemistry

YEAR 2

Further Organic Chemistry 1 (Aldehydes and Ketones, Aromatic Chemistry, Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives), Further Physical Chemistry 1 (Kinetics, Equilibria, Acids, Bases and Buffers), Further Organic Chemistry 2 (Amines, Polymers, Biochemistry, NMR), Further Physical Chemistry 2 (Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry), Further Inorganic Chemistry (Period 3, Transition Elements).

Three two-hour exam papers at the end of the second year. Independent assessment of 12 required practicals across both years.

A level Chemistry is one of the most respected and widely accepted A level subjects. A sound understanding of Chemistry is very important for a wide range of higher education courses and careers – and many require an A level in Chemistry.

These include: Physical sciences (engineering, environmental science) Biological sciences (biochemistry, medicine, veterinary science and other areas of healthcare) Related scientific areas (such as forensic science and chemical research)

As the study of Chemistry helps to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, it is also a facilitating subject for other areas such as law, education and journalism.

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 6 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language, grades 7,6 in Combined Science, GCSE score of 4.8 or above OR Grade 6 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language, Grade 6 in Chemistry and Grade 6 in either Biology or Physics; GCSE score of 4.8 or above. N.B. We don’t accept  Science (Applied).

  • Visit to Kingston University for a Chemistry subject insight day, including practical sessions in the undergraduate laboratories
  • Trip to the Royal Society Summer Exhibition
  • Opportunities to talk to scientists working in STEM careers
  • Opportunities to take part in prestigious competitive events, including the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the Chemistry Olympiad

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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.

Female Student

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 Evening

Wednesday, 4th March · 4pm – 6pm

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 and friendliest sixth form college with a 97% 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

Latest News & Blog

Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College announces excellent 2025 Level 3 examination results

We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]

Celebrating SFX diversity at Culture Day

Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College was filled with colour, flavour, and pride as we hosted our much-anticipated Culture Day — a joyful celebration of the rich diversity that makes our college community so special. We are proud to be a truly inclusive college, welcoming students and staff from a wide range of cultural and […]

SFX Young Enterprise Team Wins Regional Final at Samsung KX

We’re incredibly proud to announce that our Young Enterprise team, Nexora, has won the Central, North & West London Final, held at the prestigious Samsung KX venue in King’s Cross. Representing St Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College, students Guilherme, Nawid, Tiago, Ruan and Kevin competed against seven other schools in a high-pressure final that tested their innovation, professionalism and business […]

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