Year 9 Options

If your child/ward is in Year 9, they will be starting their GCSE options next September, which is very exciting.

The process for this starts in Year 9, which can feel scary for students. We want to assure students that they will get a lot of support from their teachers and Leadership Team throughout the process.

Below we set out all the support we offer, as well as a clear timeline of events in the order they will occur. Should you have any specific questions regarding options for next year, please contact Chris Simmons, Vice Principal at c.simmons@harrisgarrard.org.uk.

At Harris Garrard Academy, all students follow courses in certain core areas, but there is choice for the remaining subjects.

Options Booklet 2026 - for students

Click HERE to download our 2026 Options Booklet, with lots of guidance on choosing your GCSE options. See also the letter to parents.

Compulsory study and available options

The subjects which are compulsory to study are:

• English Language
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Combined Science (students can change this to Triple Science should they wish to)
• Spanish
• PE
• Geography or History

Details of options subjects will be added here later in the year.

Timeline

Stage 1: February 2026. Students receive options booklets and website goes live for parents. 

Stage 2: February 2026. Year 9 Options Careers Fair/parents consultation evening, 4:00-7:00pm, 24th February. 

Stage 3: March 2026. Options assemblies with Mr Simmons (Vice Principal)

Stage 4: March 2026. Parents and students are able to access the options form online to make selections, 6th March. 

Stage 5: March 2026. Deadline to complete options choices, 27th March. 

Options Form

Click HERE to access the Options Form or use the QR code below.