Open Event
4 November 2026
Join us at our Open Event and discover what makes St John Rigby one of the most popular choices for students across the region.
Our A Level English Language and Literature Combined course offers the opportunity to explore a rich and varied range of texts across the genres of poetry, prose and drama. Students study The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold), The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald), A Streetcar Named Desire (Tennessee Williams) and a selection of poetry by Carol Ann Duffy, developing their analytical, interpretative, and critical thinking skills along the way. The course also includes a creative writing element, allowing students to craft their own original pieces and experiment with different styles and voices. Ideal for keen readers and writers, this course encourages both academic excellence and creative expression. A Level English Language and Literature combined takes a linguistic approach to the study of literature. You will study a range of literary and non-literary texts to uncover how language is used for entertainment and public information. Utilising your newly acquired knowledge of grammar and word class, you will learn how to manipulate language for creative and functional purposes.
College entry to include a grade 5 in GCSE English Language and a grade 5 in GCSE English Literature, (please refer to the Entry Requirements section for further details).
Coursework 20% and Exams 80% you will be assessed through external examinations and coursework.
During the course you will study a range of literary and non-literary texts, including texts from a range of genres.
You should enjoy reading and literature in general and you will also be expected to conduct your own wider reading.
You should be willing to justify your ideas during class discussions and in written essays, and enjoy working both independently and in a group.
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.
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.