Economics is a well-established sixth form subject taught to two sets in each year group. As well as aiming for the highest standards of success at A-level, the department seeks to promote an interest in, and understanding of, the UK economy and its relationships with the rest of the EU and the global economy, including the developing world. We hope that students come to value the study of economics for its own intrinsic interest as well as a passport to university entrance and highly paid employment.


Each year, a team enters the prestigious Bank of England/Times Target 2.0 Interest Rate Challenge, a national competition for students to make a presentation reviewing the performance and prospects of the economy and make a recommendation as to the interest rate most likely to achieve the Bank's 2 per cent inflation target.  In 2005 Cranbrook won the national competition and in 2009 we were second to Haberdashers Askes in the South East Final, narrowly missing out on a second National Final appearace at the Bank.

The department also supports the Young Enterprise company programme.  In 2009 our company 'Innovation' won the Weald Area competition to reach the Kent Final.

Students follow the Edexcel AS and A level specifications.

In Year 12 there are two equally weighted AS units:
Unit 1:  Competitive Markets - how they work and why they fail
Unit 2:  Managing the Economy

In Year 13 there are two A2 units, unit 3 carrying 80 marks and unit 4, 120:   Unit 3: Business Economics and Economic Efficiency;  Unit 4: The Global Economy

In each year, one unit is taken in January and the other in June.  All units are externally assessed by examination.  There is no assessed coursework.

Results in 2009: 97% pass rate, with 78% grade A or B