Admissions Criteria
In order for students to study A Levels students will need to achieve the following:
An average points score of 5.5 or more at GCSE Level, including at least a grade 5 in GCSE English Language and at least a grade 5 in GCSE Maths.
In order for students to study a Vocational Level 3 course students will need to achieve the following:
An average points score of 4.5 or more at GCSE Level, including at least a grade 4 in GCSE English Language and at least a grade 4 in GCSE Maths.
In addition, most subjects have an extra compulsory A Level admission requirement of grade 6/B or higher in the subject specified. These additional subject specific admission criteria are shown in the table below.
|
SUBJECT |
ADDITIONAL GCSE CRITERIA |
|
Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Art (Single Award) |
4 in GCSE Art |
|
Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Business Studies & Marketing (Single Award) |
4 in GCSE Business Studies if studied or 4 in GCSE Maths |
|
Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Media (Single Award) |
4 in GCSE Media Studies if studied or 4 in GCSE English Language |
|
Level 3 BTEC National in Sport (Single Award) |
4 in GCSE PE PLUS 1 GCSE Science grade 4 |
|
Level 3 Cambridge Technical in ICT (Single Award) |
4 x grade 4s in GCSE subjects |
|
Art |
6 in GCSE Art |
|
Business Studies |
6 in GCSE Business Studies if studied or 6 in GCSE Maths |
|
Computer Science |
6 in GCSE Maths or 6 in GCSE Computer Science |
|
D&T - Product Design |
6 in DT (Resistant Materials or Graphics or Electronics) |
|
Drama & Theatre Studies |
6 in GCSE Drama |
|
Economics |
6 in GCSE Maths + 6 in GCSE English Language |
|
English Literature |
6 in GCSE English Language and 6 in GCSE English Literature |
|
French |
6 in GCSE French |
|
Further Maths |
8 in GCSE Maths |
|
Geography |
6 in GCSE Geography if studied or 6 in a humanities subject |
|
Politics |
6 in a related Humanities subject (eg History, RE or English) |
|
History |
6 in GCSE History if studied or 6 in a humanities subject |
|
Maths |
7 in GCSE Maths. |
|
Film Studies |
6 in GCSE Media Studies if studied or 6 in English Language |
|
Music |
6 in GCSE Music. Ability to read Music is essential. |
|
Photography |
6 in GCSE Art or High quality portfolio of work. |
|
PE |
6 in GCSE PE. |
|
Psychology |
6 in GCSE English Language PLUS 6 in GCSE Biology (if triple science studied) or a 6 in Double Science |
|
Religious Studies |
6 in GCSE RS if studied or 6 in a humanities subject |
|
Sociology |
6 in a related Humanities subject (eg History, RE or English) |
|
Spanish |
6 in GCSE Spanish |
|
Biology |
6-6 in Double Science or 6 in Biology plus a 6 in another Science (if triple Science studied) |
|
Chemistry |
6-6 in Double Science or 6 in Chemistry plus a 6 in another Science (if triple Science studied) |
|
Physics |
6-6 in Double Science or 6 in Physics plus a 6 in another Science (if triple Science studied) |
ENTRY CRITERIA FOR SCIENCE SUBJECTS
If students take TRIPLE science at GCSE and wish to take TWO OR MORE sciences at ‘A’ level, they MUST have a ‘6’ grade in all three sciences. Otherwise students should have at least 2x6’s in any of the Triple Sciences including the one they wish to study. If students take DOUBLE science at GCSE and wish to take MORE THAN ONE science at ‘A’ level, they MUST have ‘6-6’ grades.
Careers and Subject Combinations
You may not know what career path you wish to take yet and that’s ok!
You may think you know and then change your mind during 6th form – that’s ok too!
The best advice is to keep your options open with a combination of subjects that will help you develop and demonstrate a variety of knowledge and skills. The following is a list of “facilitating subjects” (according to Russell Group Universities) which are well regarded by universities no matter what degree you hope to study:
- English Literature
- History
- Modern languages – e.g. French, German, Spanish
- Classical languages – e.g. Latin, Ancient Greek
- Maths and Further Maths
- Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geography
Some careers prefer academic subjects to vocational e.g. Law students should study History rather than Law.
Some universities are very specific about A-level combinations and grade requirements, so researching what will be needed for a particular degree subject you may be interested in is recommended.
Careers in Science/Medicine
- For careers in Science or Engineering, consider studying Maths.
- For careers in Medicine/Veterinary Science/Pharmacy, Chemistry is important.
- Maths and Physics are a good combination
- Chemistry and Biology are also a good combination
Careers in Accounting/Finance
Graduates from all degree disciplines can pursue a career in Finance. Although many firms will be looking for evidence that applicants are competent with numbers/data. E.g. Actuarial roles require Maths and Statistics.
Maths, Chemistry, Economics, Physics all lend themselves to Finance/Accounting careers.
Computer science/IT or software engineering degrees are often a prerequisite for careers within IT/Finance.
