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, activites and supervised private study. In the second year they would usually specialise in three A2s.
Students with high GCSE grades may wish to study five AS subjects or the AQA Baccalaureate.
Entry requirements: at least 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including English and Mathematics. Many courses require a minimum of B in either Mathematics or English. 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.
Each subject may have slight variations on the entry criteria, please look your chosen course up on our course database.
AQA Baccalaureate
This is an academic qualification which builds on a student’s core A Level subjects, adding value through wider learning and enrichment activities. Students study at least 3 A Levels, plus a further ‘breadth’ subject to at least AS - Critical Thinking, General Studies or Citizenship. Students also complete an extended project as well as participate in a number of enrichment activities.
This course has similar ideals to the International Baccalaureate but with fewer restrictions on the subjects studied. The component A Levels all have a value in their own right.
Entry requirements: students would usually have at least an average of Grade B in their GCSEs to start this programme.
AS/A2 Applied Programmes
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.
These courses can lead either to higher education/university or employment.
Entry requirements: at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Mathematics.
Diplomas
These new qualifications for 14-19 year-olds combine theoretical study with practical experience, giving the student an integrated programme of study made up of Principal learning units, Functional Skills, Personal, Learning and thinking Skills, an Extended Project and Work Experience. If you achieve the full Diploma it is the equivalent to 3.5 A levels.
There is the option to do additional Learning i.e. an A level to make the total qualification up to 4.5 A level equivalent. It is designed to support your next move be it university or employment.
Entry requirements: at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Mathematics.
BTEC Programmes
These are offered at three levels
BTEC National Diploma or Certificate (Level 3)
This course is a vocational course and is equivalent to either 3 or 2 A levels. Students study either 18 or 12 units over two years and this is ideal preparation for either university or into your chosen career path. There are three levels of grade, Distinction, Merit and Pass.
Entry requirements: at least four GCSEs at grade C or above, usually including English or Mathematics or L2 vocational qualifications in a related subject at Merit grad
BTEC First (Level 2)
These one year, Intermediate programmes are designed to provide students with a progression route to level 3 programmes such as the BTEC National Diploma courses or employment. The First Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs at grade C or above.
All BTEC 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: 4 GCSEs at grade D and above with at one 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.
GCSE Package
There is a five GCSE package offered to students including Maths and English. This is an alternative to vocational pathways and offers a progression onto Level 3 on successful completion. Entry is on completion of an interview.
Highbury Grove School,
Highbury Fields School
Cental Foundation Boys' School
St Aloysius' College