As in most schools in England, pupils at Wycliffe spend two years preparing for GCSE exams in a wide variety of subjects (usually 6 to 10 choices).

In their last two years at school, they may study for their AS and A2 exams (A levels) in a more select group of subjects (usually 3 or 4) of their own careful choice.

It is these A level grades which help a pupil enter university. Although most DY pupils will take IGCSE maths, the Development Year prepares pupils to join the UK educational system without the need to study two years of GCSEs prior to A levels.