Students need to have attained a minimum of 5 grades A*- C at IGCSE/BGCSE (or equivalent) including mathematics and first language English. However, each individual’s application is considered on its own merits and students may be given provisional admittance without this minimum in special circumstances. Students also need to satisfy the individual requirements of the subjects to be studied (please see the section on Curriculum).
Places for form six (lower) are limited and preference is given to students with the best subject grades and best record of conduct. Preference is also given to existing John Mackenzie students. Places for some subjects, especially sciences, are limited due to the facilities needed for the practical components of the courses. All applicants will undergo an interview with the principal and other members of staff to determine suitability.
Applications are made in November for a January start. Provisional places will be offered based upon the mock examination results, predicted grades, the most recent school reports and an interview. Students are given confirmed places once the final IGCSE/BGCSE results have been released and they have met the qualifying criteria. Students who already have final examination results in November may be immediately offered confirmed places for January.