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entry criteria

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The table below shows details of the standard college entry requirements. Subject specific requirements may apply and can be found on the inside of this booklet and on the college’s website. If you don’t achieve a grade 4 in GCSE maths and/or English language you will re-sit these as part of your programme of study.

PROGRAMMEGCSE GRADES REQUIRED
A Level Programme
(Level 3)
Two grade 5s and three grade 4s at GCSE including a grade 4 in English language
Excellence Programme An average of grade 7 at GCSE
T Level Programme
(Level 3)
Two grade 5s and three grade 4s at  GCSE including both GCSE maths and  English language
Combined Programme
(A Levels and Level 3 Vocational - BTECs/CTECs)
Five grade 4s at GCSE including a 4 in maths or English
Vocational Programme
(Level 3 A Level equivalent)
Five grade 4s at GCSE including a 4 in maths or English
Foundation Programme
(GCSE equivalent) 
Four grade 3s at GCSE with a 3 in either maths or English and a 2 in the other 

A Level Courses

We require at least two GCSEs at grade 5 and three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language. You must also meet the specific requirements for the individual courses you want to take.

A LEVELSSPECIFIC GCSE REQUIREMENTS
Accounting At least a 5 in maths
Ancient HistoryAt least a 5 in English
Art, Craft and DesignAt least a 4 in art or design technology subject (if studied) or portfolio of work demonstrating appropriate creative skills
Biology At least a 6/5 in combined science and a 5 in maths
Business StudiesAt least a 4 in maths
ChemistryAt least a 6/5 in combined science and a 5 in maths
Computer ScienceAt least a 5  in maths
Core Maths *2025 entryAt least a 5 in maths
PhotographyAt least a 4 in art or design technology subject (if studied) or portfolio of work demonstrating appropriate creative skills
Drama and Theatre Studies At least a 5 in English language, and at least a grade 4 in drama (if studied). Up-to-date experience will be considered as an alternative
EconomicsAt least a 5 in maths
ElectronicsAt least a 5/5 in combined science and a 4 in maths
English Language and Literature CombinedAt least a 4 in English language AND English literature
English LanguageAt least a 5 in English language or literature
English LiteratureAt least a 5 in English literature
Environmental ScienceAt least a 5/5 in combined science
Film StudiesAt least a 5 in an essay-based subject
Fine ArtAt least a 4 in art or design technology subject (if studied) or portfolio of work demonstrating appropriate creative skills
FrenchAt least a 5 in French (higher tier)
Further MathsAt least a 7 in maths (must take A Level maths too)
GeographyAt least a 5 in geography (if studied) and English
Graphic DesignAt least a 4 in art or design technology subject (if studied) or portfolio of work demonstrating appropriate creative skills
LawAt least a 5 in English
MathematicsAt least a 6 in maths
Media StudiesAt least a 5 in an essay-based subject
Modern HistoryAt least a 5 in history (if studied) and English
Music TechnologyAny prior experience of using production software will help students become familiar with recording features, edit screens and plugins
PhotographyAt least a 4 in art or design technology subject (if studied) or portfolio of work demonstrating appropriate creative skills
Physical EducationAt least a 4 in PE (if studied) and a 5 in science
PhysicsAt least a 6/5 in combined science and a 6 in maths (strongly recommend pairing with A-Level Maths)
PoliticsAt least a 5 in English 
PsychologyAt least a 5 in maths, English language and science
Religion, Ethics and PhilosophyAt least a 5 in religious studies (if studied) and English
SociologyStandard entry requirements
SpanishAt least a 5 in Spanish (higher tier)
StatisticsAt least a 5 in maths
TextilesAt least a 4 in art or design technology subject (if studied) or portfolio of work demonstrating appropriate creative skills

VOCATIONAL Courses

Vocational study programmes include courses like BTECs, CTECs and T Levels that are equivalent to A Levels at level 3. Courses are offered as SINGLE (Extended Certificate -1), SINGLE + (Foundation Diploma - 1.5), DOUBLE (Diploma - 2) or TRIPLE (Extended Diploma -3). Your study programme will include three (or the equivalent of three) courses.

We require five grade 9-4 passes (or equivalent) including English language or maths.

You must also meet the specific requirements for the individual courses you want to take.

A LEVELSSPECIFIC GCSE REQUIREMENTSSINGLE SINGLE+DOUBLETRIPLE
Applied Science CTEC At least a 4/5 in combined science and a 4 in maths
Art & Design Practice BTECAt least a 4 in art or design technology subject (if studied) or portfolio of work demonstrating appropriate creative skills
Business BTECStandard entry requirements
Criminology DIPLOMAAt least a grade 4 in English language
Dance BTECAt least 2 years of dance training in any style 
Engineering CTECAt least a 4/5 in combined science and a 5 in maths
Fashion Design, Promotion and Marketing BTECAt least a 4 in art or design technology subject (if studied) or portfolio of work demonstrating appropriate creative skills
Film and TV BTECAt least a 4 in English language
Health and Social Care BTECStandard entry requirements (double)
At least a grade 4 in science (triple)
Information Technology BTECAt least a 4 in English language or maths
Music Performance BTECAt least ABRSM (or equivalent) grade 4 in music (instrumental/vocal)
or audition
Musical Theatre BTECAt least 2 years recent practical experience in performance 
Performing Arts (acting) BTECAt least 2 years recent practical experience in performance
Sport and Exercise Sciences BTECAt least a 4/4 in double science or 5 in single science
Sport BTECStandard entry requirements
Travel and Tourism BTECStandard entry requirements
Uniformed Protective Services BTECStandard entry requirements

T-Levels

T-Levels are an exciting new alternative to A levels, BTECs, apprenticeships and other 16-19 courses. Developed with employers, they are equivalent to three A levels and combine the academic elements of A Levels with the vocational aspects of BTECs and the practical experience of apprenticeships.

As a T-Level student, you will spend 80% of the course in college learning relevant academic knowledge and skills and 20% in an industry placement, putting these skills into action.

T-LEVELS SPECIFIC GCSE REQUIREMENTS
HealthTwo grade 5s and three grade 4s at GCSE including maths, English language and science

The Foundation Programme

The Foundation Programme is designed for students who have just missed out on the entry requirements for our level 3 programmes. This three year option enables them, in the first year, to gain further qualifications at level 2 and develop the skills required for future success before moving onto a two year level 3 programme.

Your study programme will be made up of the equivalent of four GCSEs including GCSE maths and/or GCSE English language as required.

SPECIFIC GCSE REQUIREMENTS - Four grade 3 GCSEs with a 3 in either maths or English and a 2 in the other

BTEC LEVEL 2SINGLE DOUBLE
Business BTEC
Creative Skills (media and art) BTEC
Health and Social Care BTEC
IT BTEC
Personal Growth and Wellbeing BTEC
Public Services BTEC
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