Progression after year 11

Introduction

The British International (IGCSE) qualification learners earn at the end of Year 11 is a finishing point, not a full stop. It is the gateway to upper secondary education and, from there, to universities around the world.

At Sunrise Virtual School we have partnered with a range of institutions so that the transition after Year 11 is planned rather than improvised. Whatever route a learner takes — a traditional academic pathway, a foundation year, or a scholarship-backed degree — the aim is the same: a place at a university that fits their ambitions.

Our careers counsellors know the admissions criteria of the world's most prestigious institutions. They work with each learner and family to match qualifications, subject choices and deadlines to the destination the learner actually wants.

What to expect

1. A Levels (Years 12–13, ages 16–18)

A two-year Advanced Level curriculum and an internationally recognised route to top universities worldwide. A Levels are the standard requirement of UK-accredited high school qualifications, and many leading universities favour A-level graduates with strong grades.

- Learners choose a maximum of 4 subjects in Year 12 (AS) and 3 subjects in Year 13 (A Level)

- Subject combinations are personalised — specialist routes for learners who know their field, broader combinations for those still exploring

- We focus on 'facilitating subjects': those most commonly required or preferred for entry to particular university courses

- **Entry requirements:** a minimum of 5 A*–C grades at IGCSE, including Mathematics and English, plus A*–B in the subjects to be taken at AS/A Level, and a good academic and behavioural record. Learners joining from the Kenyan system require an average of C+ at KCSE; lower grades are considered but may require an entrance exam.

- **Examinations:** Cambridge International AS & A Level, sat twice a year in June and November, with results issued in August and January. A Levels are graded A*–E (AS Levels A–E). Learners may take AS Level only, a staged route with AS marks carried forward twice within a 13-month period, or all papers at the end of the course.

2. International University Pathways College (IUPC)

A nine-month foundation pathway programme based in Nairobi, Kenya, delivered in conjunction with the Northern Consortium (NCUK). Learners complete the International Foundation Year (IFY) — a structured, direct route onto degree programmes for learners who want a clear alternative to the traditional sixth-form pathway.

3. UNICAF Scholarship Programmes

A strategic partnership and collaboration between Sunrise Virtual School and UNICAF, giving our learners access to world-class, Ivy League universities at 80% tuition sponsorship which ends up opening doors to prestigious careers across the globe.

Ongoing support

- Personalised subject selection aligned to strengths and career goals

- One-to-one careers counselling and university admissions guidance

- Recognised qualifications that university admissions officers know and value

- Help with application requirements, deadlines and transitions

- Flexible routes — academic, foundation or scholarship-backed

- Continued access to Sunrise's co-curricular and life-skills programmes