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Which course is right for me?

Selecting the course that is right for you means thinking carefully about the following things:

  • Your interests and which subjects you enjoyed most at school
  • What you are good at - your best subjects
  • Your future plans - the career or university course you wish to pursue
  • How you prefer to study - are you good at writing essays or better at practical assignments or project work?

Choosing the right level

You are most likely to succeed if you choose a course which is challenging enough to be interesting, but not too difficult so you constantly struggle to pass assignments. Your previous GCSE results should help you choose the level of course that best suits you.

pottery classEntry Level courses are designed for those without any GCSE qualification or for those who have achieved mainly F and G grades. You can study a range of practical subjects, including Conservation, Hairdressing, Skills for Life and Numeracy and Literacy skills.

ReceptionOur level 1 courses are designed for students who achieve mainly grade D, E, and F passes at GCSE. Students will study one or more subject areas and have the opportunity to improve their communication and maths skills to prepare them for courses at level 2 or employment with training.

art student Our level 2 courses are designed for students who achieve mainly grade D and some C passes at GCSE. Students will study one or more subject areas and have the opportunity to improve their communication and maths skills to prepare them for courses at level 3 or employment with training.

Childcare Student Level 3 courses include A levels and BTEC National Diplomas. To join a level 3 course you will need to achieve at least four grades C at GCSE preferably including Maths and English. These courses will enable you to progress to University or train for a professional level career.

graduationThese courses are our degree level equivalent Higher Education courses. To join a level 4 course it will be expected that you already hold an advanced level (level 3) qualification or that you have substantial experience of the area you want to study. You must be over 18.

choose the right course

The best way to maximise your chances of success is to choose the right course in the first place.