5 GCSE at grade C or above, including Maths or English.

If a student has not achieved a grade C in GCSE English or Maths then they must attend resit classes until they achieve this as a condition of entry to sixth form.

Level 3 Entry Advice

This is designed to match students to the most appropriate courses and, therefore, maximise their chances of success. Please take the time to read this document carefully, to ensure that all students receive the highest level of advice and there is consistency throughout the process.

A Level Courses

It is strongly recommended that students achieve at least 3 GCSE at grade B in addition to the level 3 requirements if they are to start A Level courses. These courses are predominantly theoretical and based largely on success in modular examinations. We have carried out a significant amount of research over the last few years, looking at students’ GCSE results and the AS and A Level grades they go on to achieve. This has shown that the crucial determining factor in determining success at A Level is the number of grade Bs secured at GCSE. Students with less than 3 grade Bs are unlikely to pass AS or A Level courses.

Four A Levels is demanding for any student. To reflect this, the advice is that a student will need a minimum of 4 grade Bs at GCSE to study this number of courses in Y12.

Students who meet these requirements can take a combination of A Level and BTEC courses if this matches their aspirations.

BTEC Courses

BTECs are concerned with the application of theory to real life situations and are assessed by the production of portfolios and do not involve exams. We have increased the range of BTECs that we offer this year. Students who have found the examination aspects of A Level difficult have succeeded on BTEC courses.

Level 2 Entry Advice

If a student has not met the requirements for level 3 courses, they will need the following to enrol on the Level 2 pathway:

4 GCSE at grade D or above

Students will study the following courses:

•     BTEC Business Studies - 10 hours per week

•     DIDA (ICT) – 5 hours per week

•     BTEC Working Skills