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Which course should I choose?

It is your choice. Think carefully about your interests and plans after leaving college and choose the course(s) which will help you to achieve your goals. For example, if you were thinking about applying for a university course in a particular subject such as Medicine, then this will mean that you would need to choose certain subjects – in this case Biology and Chemistry. For many higher education courses the exact choice of course is not too important but it is always worth talking this through with college staff. If you don’t have a specific career goal at the moment then there is nothing wrong in choosing subjects which interest you and in which you think you will do well.

As part of your enrolment at college we will talk through your course choices with you, so don’t worry if you are finding it hard to choose.

The level 3 programme

This is our most popular programme. You will choose from a wide variety of A level courses and a range of Level 3 BTEC qualifications. Your timetable will also include a weekly Values for Living lesson and a tutorial session. It is a flexible programme over two years that is ideal if you are planning to progress on to university, employment or higher-level apprenticeship.

Career Academy

Our Career Academy provides students with the best possible preparation for their future and supports their progression to the top universities in their chosen field.  Providing unique career focused programmes to develop a wide range of transferable skills whilst enhancing vocational knowledge.

Honours Academy

This is designed for the most academically able students, who aspire to apply to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. All Honours Academy students complete the Gifted Student Programme which includes visits: to Oxbridge/Russell.

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A level entry requirements

To be happy and successful with us, it is vital that you study the programme that suits you.
These entry requirements offer a guide to the level of course that’s appropriate, together with information on the qualifications you’ll need before you can join the programme.

It’s worth noting that this is an initial guideline – some subjects ask for more specific entry requirements, while some of your qualifications may not be suitable for certain courses. You’ll be able to get more details when you come in for a course discussion and at enrolment.

In addition to any individual subject specific requirements, students will be expected to have the following qualifications to be guaranteed a place on an A level programme: + 2 GCSE grades at 6 or above and 4 GCSE grades at 4 or above. GCSE English Language must be included in this grade profile.

Level 3 entry requirements

To be happy and successful with us, it is vital that you study the programme that suits you.
These entry requirements offer a guide to the level of course that’s appropriate, together with information on the qualifications you’ll need before you can join the programme.

It’s worth noting that this is an initial guideline – some subjects ask for more specific entry requirements, while some of your qualifications may not be suitable for certain courses. You’ll be able to get more details when you come in for a course discussion and at enrolment.

For a level 3 vocational programme, students will be expected to have gained:

+ 5 GCSE grades at 4 or above, including GCSE English Language

Elective requirements

To be happy and successful with us, it is vital that you study the programme that suits you.
These entry requirements offer a guide to the level of course that’s appropriate, together with information on the qualifications you’ll need before you can join the programme.

It’s worth noting that this is an initial guideline – some subjects ask for more specific entry requirements, while some of your qualifications may not be suitable for certain courses. You’ll be able to get more details when you come in for a course discussion and at enrolment.

For an Elective subject, students should have gained:

+ 8 GCSE passes at grade 6 or above

Students wishing to follow the Future Medics Programme, the Extended Project Qualification, be part of the HE+ group or take a fourth Advanced level subject must have gained at least 4 subjects at grade 7 and 4 subjects at grade 6.

Nurturing rising talent

Our Elective Programme is designed to help you develop your gifts and interests as part of an enhanced level 3 programme. We will help you realise your potential by nurturing your talent and preparing you for study at the most prestigious universities or for progression to competitive higher-level apprenticeships. Your options range from our Honours Programme, which might include following a fourth A level, to specialist Futures Programmes that will support your career goals.

Level 1 entry requirements

To be happy and successful with us, it is vital that you study the programme that suits you.
These entry requirements offer a guide to the level of course that’s appropriate, together with information on the qualifications you’ll need before you can join the programme.

It’s worth noting that this is an initial guideline – some subjects ask for more specific entry requirements, while some of your qualifications may not be suitable for certain courses. You’ll be able to get more details when you come in for a course discussion and at enrolment.

For a level 1 programme, students are expected to have gained:

+ 4 GCSE grades at 2 or above including GCSE English Language.

Level 2 entry requirements

If you’re not quite ready to start on a Level 3 Technical course (T Levels) or a Vocational Level 3 course (BTEC) but want to begin on the path to your chosen career, the Transition Programme could be for you.  

Transition Programmes are tailored to prepare students to move onto Technical or Vocational Level 3 study. They will give you the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, your work readiness skills and introduce you to the technical skills and concepts that you will need for future study and employment. 

As part of the Transition Programme you will study a BTEC Level 2 Award in your chosen subject area as well as the BTEC Level 2 Extended Award in Work Skills. You will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and/or Maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4. 

Entry criteria for Transition Programmes is four grade 3s including grade 3s in English Language and Maths GCSE.

Year 10 Open Day
23 March 2024

We are looking forward to meeting you.

The day will begin with a presentation from our Principal Peter McGhee CBE

Booking is essential

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