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Politics

A level and Applied

Politics

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

Do you wonder whether the First Past the Post voting system is fit for purpose?

Do you think the USA now has an ‘imperial’ style Presidency?

As a Politics student, you’ll develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary political structures such as Parliament and Congress in the UK and the USA. You’ll have a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes.

You’ll study the influences and interests which have an impact on decisions in politics, such as the role of pressure groups and political parties, and develop an understanding of how effectively (or not) rights are protected by bodies such as the judiciary.

You’ll have the skills to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments, support them with contemporary evidence, and reach judgements on their significance and strength.

Topics include: Has devolution gone too far? Do feminists have an agreed set of aims?

Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas

Component 2: UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas

Component 3: Comparative Politics

Politics is a highly regarded A level subject, and students go onto study a wide range of university courses such as Politics and International Relations, History and Law.

Former Saint Francis Xavier students now study at Warwick, Kings College London, and other Russell Group Universities.

Politics A level is useful for any career that involves analysis and evaluation skills.

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.

  • Visits to Parliament and the Royal Courts of Justice
  • Meet MPs, including former SFX student Florence Eshalomi MP
  • The chance to apply to become a member of the Advocacy Academy, a leading youth activist organisation

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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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