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 you may be able to choose four if you achieve an average GCSE point score of 7 or above. Students completing a T Level programme will receive a qualification equivalent to three A-levels.

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

A-level Grades
A*
A
B
C
D
E
UCAS Points
56
48
40
32
24
16

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

T Level GradesDist*DistMeritPass
(C or above on core component)
Pass
(D or E above on core component)
A-level Grade EquivalentA*A*A*AAABBBCCCDDD
UCAS Points1681441209672

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.

AAQ / BTEC / CTEC Single QualificationDistinction*Distinction-Merit-Pass
A-level Grade EquivalentA*ABCDE
UCAS Points564840322416


BTEC / CTEC Double QualificationD* D*D* DDDDMMMMPPP
A-level Grade EquivalentA* A*A* AAAABBBCCDD
UCAS Points1121049680644832


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, two or three subjects. 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.