When offering places on courses we give careful consideration to personal motivation, records of achievement and action plans. We will make sure that you enter a course at the right level so that you can be successful in your studies.

Courses are available at different levels

Entry Level
Entry-level courses are available for those who want to take GCSE, GNVQ Foundation or a NVQ 1 but have not yet reached the level required. Courses at this level are particularly suited to students with learning difficulties and those who need to work on their basic communication and application of number skills.

Level 1
Level 1 courses are designed to allow you to gain knowledge of jobs, business and industry. You will obtain basic skills in communications, using numbers and information technology and build a platform for progression to level 2 studies.
Entry to courses at Entry and Level 1 is by personal interview, formal qualifications are not required.

Level 2
The courses available at this level are GCSE, GNVQ Intermediate, Craft Courses and NVQ 2. These courses will involve a varied range of work activities and require you to take individual responsibility for your studies.
In addition to a demonstrated level of ability in communications and numeracy, school leavers would normally possess GCSE grades in the range of C-E to enter courses at this level.

Level 3
Level 3 courses include AS and A2 Levels, Access courses, AVCE, BTEC National Diplomas and NVQ 3.
Courses at Level 3 prepare you for university entrance or employment at Technician or Supervisory levels. The range of activities you will encounter will be complex, varied and demanding.
Evidence of previous achievement, which is equivalent to four or more GCSEs at grade C, or above, is usually required for entry to courses at this level.

Level 4
Degree Courses, HND/HNC and other professional courses, many affiliated to professional bodies and institutes, are available at this level, including NVQs. Work on these courses will involve you in a range of complex technical, specialised and professional activities. You will be expected to take personal accountability for your progress and be capable of managerial responsibility for others.
Evidence of achievement at Level 3 will be required from all students who wish to study at Level 4, which is of degree level standard.

Entry Criteria for Mature Students
Mature students may be exempt from formal qualifications. Entry to courses is by individual discussion that will take into account individual life and work skills.

A Levels
The minimum requirement for entry to an AS or A Level programme is 35 points at GCSE or equivalent, 39 points if you wish to study 4 subjects, 42 points for those taking 5 subjects. In addition there are specific requirements for each subject.

To calculate your points score you must include Mathematics and English Language and your next best five subjects. The total points score of these seven subjects gives you your total GCSE points score. See table below.

How to calculate your GCSE Points Score