--- title: "KS4 Options" url: "https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/students/ks4-options" school: "Queensmead School" --- # KS4 Options ## KS4 Options Process If your child is currently in Year 9, they are now beginning to choose their options for KS4. This is a very exciting step to take, but it can also be quite daunting, as it is such an important step on their educational journey. We will be supporting them through this process, but it is important that parents also have the information available to help and guide their child. The options form will open on the 5th February, for students to make their selection: Letter to Parents October 2025 158 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/queensmead-school-2/files/documents/Letter-to-parents-Options-process-2026.pdf) KS4 Options Brochure 9.88 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/queensmead-school-2/files/documents/Options-brochure-2025-2026_(1).pdf) KS4 Options Parent Meeting November 2025 1.14 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/queensmead-school-2/files/documents/KS4-Options-Meeting-parents-25_26-1.pdf) #### Key dates in the options process: - 14/01/26 Personal Development lesson focusing on the options process - 28/01/26 Options fair - 04/02/26 Options taster day - 04/02/26 Options form opens, accessible through the school website - 25/02/26 Options form closes **If you do have any questions, please contact** [**office@queensmead.org.uk**](mailto:office@queensmead.org.uk) ## What is the EBacc? The EBacc is a key performance indicator which recognises students’ achievements in five academic subjects: - English Language and/or Literature - Mathematics - Science (Including Computer Science) - French or Spanish (or another language) - History, Geography or Ancient History These are subjects most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses and ones that will keep the most doors open. When considering what choices to make in the optional part of the curriculum, students should think about the following questions: - What am I good at? - What do I enjoy? - What are my aspirations and expectations? - Am I making choices for the right reasons? - Have I gathered all of the advice and guidance before making decisions? Choosing the right and most appropriate subjects is essential if students are to achieve their full potential, however choices made at this point will not define a student’s future career path. ![Image Description](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/images/b5-800x800_(1).jpg) ![Image Description](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/images/2-1141-Queensmead-School-2021_09_08-by-McFade-800x800.jpg) ## Vocational Qualification Vocational courses are equivalent to GCSE courses and should not be viewed as easier or less important options. Vocational courses enable students to acquire skills which are related to a specific trade, occupation or vocation. ![Queensmead School](https://files.schudio.com/queensmead-school-2/images/logo/Logo-Footer.png) ### Queensmead School Queens Walk South Ruislip Middlesex HA4 0LS 020 8845 6266 ### Quick Links: - Term Dates - [Contact Us](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/contact) - [News](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/news) - [Calendar](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/calendar) - [Post 16](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/post-16) - [Admissions](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/our-school/admissions) - [Curriculum](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/curriculum/ks5-curriculum) - [Ofsted Report](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/our-school/ofsted) - [Newsletter](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/parents/newsletter) - [Students](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/students) - [Uniform](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/parents/uniform) [![Partnership Learning](https://files.schudio.com/queensmead-school-2/images/logo/AAAPartnership-Learning_white.png)](https://partnershiplearning.com) © Copyright 2026 Queensmead School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://queensmeadschool.org.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)