In order to study an A Level programme, you will need to have achieved:
- At least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 in one sitting.
- An average GCSE score of 5 or more is preferred, although not essential.
- GCSE English at grade 4 (language is preferred)
- Meet any subject-specific criteria
To follow a Science A Level Programme (one that includes any two of these courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths) you will need at least an average GCSE score of at least 5.5 plus a minimum GCSE grade 6 in Maths and a 6 in Science (core) and 6 in Additional Science (or 6 in GCSE Biology/ Chemistry/Physics).
View more information on A Level courses and guidance on choosing your course.
How to Work Out Your GCSE Score
Write down the GCSE subjects you have taken and the results that you have achieved or hope to get.
If you have taken more than eight subjects at GCSE, remove the lowest grades, leaving your best eight grades.
If you have taken less than eight GCSE subjects, please include them all in your calculation. Then add the points together and divide by the number of subjects you have taken.
For instance:
English= 6, Maths= 5, History= 6, Art and Design= 7, Geography= 5, Drama= 3.
Total: 32 points. Divided by the number of subjects (6) = 5.3 average GCSE score.
Each GCSE result is given a number of points as outlined here:
- 9 = 9 points
- 8 = 8 points
- 7 = 7 points
- 6 = 6 points
- 5 = 5 points
- 4 = 4 points
- 3 = 3 points
- 2 = 2 points
- 1 = 1 point
- U = 0 points
To study a BTEC single, double or triple diploma you will need to have achieved:
• Four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, or a Merit in a full Level 2 BTEC Diploma
• Grade 4 or above in GCSE English and Maths is preferred
• If you want to combine your BTEC with an A Level or AAQ, you will need to meet the entry criteria for that A Level too.
View more information on BTEC courses and guidance on choosing your course.
Level 3 BTEC courses explained
Triple BTEC programme = Equivalent to 3 A Levels
Double BTEC programme = Equivalent to 2 A Levels
Single BTEC programme = Equivalent to 1 A Level
Didn’t quite get the results you were hoping for? Don’t worry!
We offer a Navigate to A Levels programme for any students whose grades fall below the standard entry criteria for a Level 3 programme. If you are missing a grade in GCSE Maths or English, then you may be eligible for some Level 3 programmes. If you are missing both GCSE Maths and English then you are eligible for our Navigate to A Levels programme only. You may also have the opportunity to also study GCSE Science on the Navigate course.
For example, if you just missed out on passing GCSE Maths, you could resit GCSE Maths alongside studying a Level 3 course. Our college team can help you with this.
AAQs are scholarly in nature and designed to support progression to further and higher education, making them the perfect choice for students who want to head to university. The AAQs offered at Lowestoft Sixth Form are equivalent to one A Level and can be studied alongside A Levels to make a full study programme.
- Four GCSEs at grades 9-4, or a Merit in a full Level 2 BTEC Diploma.
- Grade 4 or above in GCSE English and Maths is preferred.
- If you want to combine your AAQs with an A Level, you will need to meet the entry criteria for that A Level too.
T Levels are two-year qualifications designed to give you a head start towards the career you want. They have been designed for 16 to 19-year-olds and offer a mixture of classroom learning and work placement. They follow GCSEs, gain you UCAS points and are equivalent to three A Levels.
Our T Levels have been developed with employers and businesses to prepare you to step straight into your chosen career, an apprenticeship or university. Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts a minimum of 315 hours, providing valuable experience in the workplace. T Levels form a full study programme and are not available to study alongside other courses.