MOVING ON TO COLLEGE

College websites can give you a valuable insight into what subjects and grades you need to be achieving. The prospectuses from colleges should be used as the definitive guide to their requirements. However, as a rough guide: • to study 3 A levels, you will need to have 6 GCSEs at grade 4 including English and Maths. Some colleges require more. • whilst most students study 3 A levels, it is possible to study 4 A levels. Check the college websites for requirements especially if choosing double Maths. • to study the International Baccalaureate you will need at least 7 GCSEs at Grade 6 or above including English, Maths and Science. • to study a vocational level 3 course, you will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or equivalent including English or Maths depending on the college. • to study a vocational level 2 course, you will need 5 GCSEs at grade 3 or equivalent including English depending on the college.

Some courses will require specific grades at GCSE. You need to check this information yourself.

The following is just a guide based on requirements that colleges have given in the past for A levels.

Any Art A Level

Any Science A Level

Any Language A Level

Maths

Minimum requirement of a Grade 5 or 4 at GCSE Art (Dependent on college). Two Grade 6 GCSEs in Science, including the Science selected (e.g. Physics for Physics A level) or Combined Science plus Grade 5 in Maths and English. At least a grade 6 achieved at GCSE in the chosen language and 4 in English Language.

Grade 6 GCSE in Maths (and 4 in English for BHASVIC).

Double Maths (Maths and Further Maths) Grade 7 GCSE in Maths (and 4 in English for BHASVIC).

Computer Science

Grade 6 in Maths GCSE.

Music

Grade 6 or above in Music GCSE or Grade 5 instrumental exam.

For many other A Level courses, a GCSE in the same subject is NOT a requirement. e.g. Business, Drama, Psychology, Sociology. However, if you have taken the GCSE, a specific grade may be required.