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 is preferred but not essential.
- GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 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 5.5 plus a minimum GCSE grade 6 in Subject to be studied and a minimum GCSE grade 6 in Maths.
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.
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= 4**, 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 = 5 points**
- 3 = 3 points
- 2 = 2 points
- 1 = 1 point
- U = 0 points
**Grade 4 is valued at 5 points.
To study a BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma or Subsidiary 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 add an A Level with your BTEC, you will need to meet the entry criteria for A Levels
• All new specification BTEC Level 3s will have controlled assessments and/or an exam element.
View more information on BTEC courses and guidance on choosing your course.
Level 3 BTEC courses explained
BTEC Extended Diploma = Equivalent to 3 A Levels
BTEC Level 3 Diploma = Equivalent to 2 A Levels
BTEC Extended Certificate = Equivalent to 1 A Level
Didn’t quite get the results you were hoping for? Don’t worry!
We offer Level 2 courses in GCSE English and maths for students whose grades fall below the standard entry criteria for a Level 3 programme.
These courses can be combined together to create a full Level 2 study programme, or may be studied separately alongside Level 3 course/s, depending on your circumstances.
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.
Navigate to A Levels
Our Navigate to A Levels programme is a skills and behaviour-focused programme using individual and group projects, including an Extended Project Qualification / Higher Technical Qualification, to boost those interested in an A Level route to the standard required.
Students will gain the skills and behaviours needed to support them in learning confidently and effectively. This will be supported by meaningful work experience within sectors relevant to the career path they choose. Subject experience will be gained through a combination of lessons, EPQ/HTQ qualification sessions and regular 1-1 progress checks. There will also be opportunities to gain and develop digital skills and upgrade any current GCSEs where relevant to further study.
Learner profile
- Our Navigate to A Levels programme is aimed at students who want or need to study a Level 3 course, including A Levels, but may not yet hold the entry requirements.
- The programme is suitable for those who are likely to achieve grade 3 in their GCSEs including English and maths.
- The programme can also support students who hold GCSE grade 4 or above in GCSE English, maths and science(s) but who need higher grades in these subjects for specific Level 3 entry requirements or future university applications.
- The one-year course is designed with the goal to build confidence and skills to succeed at the next level.