A-Level, T Level, or AAQ / BTEC / CTEC courses?

We offer a wide range of A-levels, Level 3 AAQ / BTEC / CTEC, and T Level qualifications. Students can choose to study all A-levels or all AAQ / BTECs / CTECs, with many choosing to study a combination of both. You will normally study three subjects at A-level (or the equivalent number of AAQ / BTECs / CTECs) but if you have very good GCSE results (if you achieve an average GCSE point score of 7 or above) you may be able to choose four. Students completing a T Level programme will receive a qualification equivalent to three A-levels and will only study that one course.

A-levels

A-levels are traditional academic qualifications that follow on from GCSEs and are ideal for students who enjoy classroom-based learning and exams.

• Mostly exam-based assessment (some subjects include coursework)
• Two-year courses
• Students usually study three subjects
• Strong preparation for university study
• Wide choice of subjects available

T Levels

T Levels are technical qualifications designed with employers and focus on preparing students for specific careers.

• Two-year, full-time courses
• Combination of classroom learning and practical assessments
• Include a mandatory 45-day industry placement
• Equivalent to three A-levels
• Strong links to employment and apprenticeships

AAQs (New BTEC & CTEC Courses)

AAQs (Alternative Academic Qualifications) are new applied qualifications replacing many BTEC and CTEC courses.

• Equivalent to one A-level
• Assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams
• Designed in line with employer and university requirements
• Support progression to university, apprenticeships, or employment

Examples include Applied Science, Medical Science, and Health and Social Care.

BTEC and CTECs

BTEC and CTEC courses are vocational, career-focused qualifications that are taken as alternative to A-levels. The difference between BTECs and CTECs is the providing organisation - Pearson and OCR respectively.

• Equivalent to one-two A-levels - some subjects are available as doubles
• Assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams
• Designed in line with employer and university requirements
• Support progression to university, apprenticeships, or employment

How Many Subjects Can I Choose?

You can choose to study three or four subjects depending on your GCSE grades, with level 3 AAQ / BTEC / CTECs counting as either one or two subjects, depending on if they are a single or double course. Students wishing to study four A-levels will be expected to achieve an average GCSE score of 7 or above. Don’t worry if you are uncertain about which subjects to choose or whether to mix A-levels with AAQ / BTEC / CTECs: we will give you lots of advice and guidance about your subject choices at your interview, and again at enrolment.