A Level entry requirements
To study A Levels you need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4-9 or above including English Language. If you do not gain a grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths you will have to study GCSE Maths alongside your A Levels.
There are additional entry requirements for some subjects which are set out below. If these prevent you from studying a subject that is central to your progression plans after A Level, we will help you explore alternative routes.
5 grades 4+ including Maths
| Biology | Geology |
| Chemistry | IT BTEC |
| Computer Science | Mathematics |
| Business Studies (A Level & BTEC) | Physical Education |
| Economics | Physics |
| Electronics | Product Design |
| Further Mathematics | Psychology |
| Geography | Statistics |
5 grades 4+ and additional specific entry requirements
- Applied Science BTEC: 4+ in any Science
- Biology: 5+ in Biology and one other science, or 5:5+ in Combined Science, AND 5+ in Maths
- Chemistry: 5+ in Chemistry and one other science, or 5:5+ in Combined Science, AND 5+ in Maths
- Computer Science: 5+ in Maths
- Economics: 5+ in Maths
- Electronics: 5+ in Physics or Combined Science, 5+/B+ in Maths
- English Language, English Literature, English Language and Literature: 4+ in English Literature
- French, German and Spanish: 5+ in the subject to be studied or proven linguistic ability
- Geology: 4+ or above in Chemistry or Physics or Combined Science
- Music: At the start of the course, you must be able to play an instrument or sing to Grade 4 standard or higher. (If no graded exam results are available you will be required to audition)
- Maths: 7+ in Maths
- Statistics: 5+/B+ in Maths
- Further Maths: 7+ in Maths
- Physical Education: 5+ in Biology or Combined Science
- Physics: 5+ in Physics and one other science, or 5:5+ in Combined Science, AND 5+ in Maths
- Psychology: 4+ in Maths, 4+/C in any Science
Vocational entry requirements
Level 1
A one year course offered within vocational skills subject areas. Often the starting point, regardless of previous academic qualifications and experience, as you need to develop the trade skills. It is possible to work at your own pace and develop Level 2 skills within the first year. Progression to Level 2 as a second year is required for employment.
Level 2
Usually one year and suitable if you have achieved some GCSEs at grades 3-1 or have passed a Level 1 qualification. For some subjects this is the first level based on skill development. (See specific course pages for details.) Progress to Level 3 courses or an Apprenticeship.
Level 3
Could be either A Level, BTEC Diploma, Subsidiary or Extended Diploma.
Normally taken over two years and are suitable if you have gained four or more GCSEs at grade 4 or above or have passed a Level 2 qualification with an overall merit or distinction with either maths or English at grade 4 or above. Higher entry requirements needed for some subject areas. However a Level 3 can be one year if it’s progression from Level 2 in trade and skill areas.
Level 4/5
Higher Education: HNC, HND, Degree, Foundation degree.
This is a higher level qualification and during year 2 of a Level 3 course, you may work towards units of a Level 4 qualification with the option of continuing with this the following year. Many students do progress from a Level 3 course to a higher education course. Higher Apprenticeships can be studied whilst working.