We offer a wide range of Advanced and GCSE ⁄ Level 2 courses. We also provide a Foundation Course which includes Business, IT, Health and Social Care, Basic Skills and work placements.

What do I need to take an Advanced Course?

Usually, you need to have five or six grades A-C at GCSE, including 2 B grades. We will work with you to build a programme which is right for you, meets your needs, and helps you maximise your potential. 

What if I don't get as many A-C grades as that?

If you get very good results in two or three subjects, it might be possible for you to take an Advanced level subject whilst taking some GCSE resits or other Level 2 courses. This way, you will know that you are strengthening your qualifications and can progress to Advanced Level study after one year. Most students who take the Foundation Course progress to an Intermediate programme. Some  Foundation Course students have progressed through all levels to University.

Can I combine A level and BTEC courses?

You will have the opportunity to combine academic and applied study, by taking a mixture of AS levels, Applied AS levels or BTEC courses. There are many possibile combinations. The advantage to you is that you can tailor the programme to suit your own particular needs.

Do I have to take the subjects I have done in school?

Definitely not! Of course those subjects are on offer and they suit many students. But you can choose from a wide range of subjects not taken at school – Media Studies, IT, Classical Civilisation, Business Studies, Psychology, Politics, Environmental Science and many others. So college can be a brand new, exciting start.

Anything else?

• One RE lesson each week, which deals with ethical, moral, social and religious issues of today.
• One Learning Skills session to help you develop essential skills in study techniques, time management, Key Skills in Communication, Number, and IT, and to help you strengthen other elements of your learning style.
• Regular contact with your Group Tutor, and a longer weekly tutorial session, which might involve group activity or a one-to-one session.
• Additional curriculum support sessions in faculty resource rooms catering for your personal academic needs - your teachers might refer you, or you can simply go along yourself.