Course Programmes and Entry Requirements

AS/A2 Programmes

This two year advanced level course is aimed at students who wish to follow an academic programme of study which will lead to university.

Typically a student will undertake four AS-level subjects in the first year with additional subjects, activities and supervised private study. In the second year they will usually specialise in three A2 subjects. Students with high GCSE grades may wish to study five AS subjects.

Entry requirements
At least six GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Maths. If studying a humanities subject students will also require a grade B in English whilst science related subjects will require a B grade in Maths and a minimum BB in Double Award Science or BBB in Triple Award Science. Successful applicants will be expected to achieve at least a grade B in the course they are intending to study or at least a grade B in related subjects.

Applied A-level programme

These two year advanced level courses offer students the opportunity to continue their academic studies within a vocational framework specialising in that subject area.

• The Double Award is equivalent to two full A-levels.
• The Single Award is equivalent to one full A-level.
• Students may study a double award vocational programme or combine a vocational subject with other AS/A2 subjects.

Applied A-level courses can lead either to higher education/university or employment.

Entry requirements
At least six GCSEs at Grade C or above including English and Maths.

BTEC Programmes

These are offered at two levels.

BTEC/OCR National Extended Diploma (Level 3)

This full time course is a vocational qualification and is equivalent to three A-levels. Students study 18 units over two years and this is ideal preparation for either university, or into your chosen career path. Literacy, numeracy and tutorials are embedded into the course. There are three levels of grade - Distinction, Merit and Pass.

Entry requirements
At least five GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English or Maths and at least a B grade in a related GCSE or a Merit grade in a Level 2 vocational qualification. 

BTEC First Diploma/OCR National Certificate (Level 2)

This one year, intermediate programme is designed to provide students with a progression route to Level 3 courses such as the BTEC National Extended Diploma Level 3 courses or employment. Literacy, numeracy and tutorials are embedded into the course. The First Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs at Grade C or above.

All BTEC/OCR programmes are full time and provide opportunities for students to:

• achieve a grade C or above in English and Maths GCSE
• gain work experience
• participate in additional activities

Entry Requirement
Four GCSEs at grade D and above with at least 2 at grade C

GCSE Maths and English

We offer retakes for those students without a grade C. Normally a student must have achieved a D grade before commencing the course. There are extra literacy and numeracy programmes to help prepare student to under take GCSE English or Maths.