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 at grade 4 (Language 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, you will need at least an average GCSE score of 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.
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
• If you want to add an A Level with your BTEC, you will need to meet the entry criteria for A Levels
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, such as a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Forensic Science.