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Pathways & Entry Requirements

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Shaftesbury Sixth Form offers students a wide range of courses at both Level 2 and Level 3. Our flexible system of options allows you to ‘mix and match’ Level 3 BTECs and A levels so you can study the best range of courses for you. We treat students as individuals and we are keen to provide the best structures to allow the best outcomes for students.

For students who have not yet achieved the qualifications to access a full Level 3 study programme, the 1-year Level 2 Pathway gives the opportunity to improve English and Maths GCSE grades and learn new qualifications while preparing students for training, apprenticeship or Level 3 study. A-levels and Level 3 BTECs are at the same academic standard. Each qualification is worth the same number of university entrance points and both are widely recognised by employers. Most universities accept both A-levels and BTECs, however some of the most competitive universities may prefer A-levels for courses such as Law and Medicine.

What's your Preferred Learning Style?

As well as deciding on the right level of study, it is equally important to think about how you learn. At Shaftesbury Sixth Form we understand that different students show their potential through different assessment systems and learning styles. While some students perform at their best in subjects assessed through exams at the end of the year, other students do better in qualifications which are assessed mainly through coursework and which place less emphasis on recalling factual information under tight time restrictions.

Thinking about which learning style suits you best is particularly important in the light of the changes to A-levels. All material will be assessed in the summer of Year 13. This is why in both the Level 2 and Level 3 pathway we offer students the ability to choose between mainly coursework based qualifications (BTECs) and examination based qualifications (GCSEs and A-Levels).

A-levels and Level 3 BTECs are at the same academic standard. Each qualification is worth the same number of university entrance points and both are widely recognised by employers. Most universities accept both A-levels and BTECs, however some of the most competitive universities may prefer A-levels for courses such as Law and Medicine.

Entry Requirements

Level 2 Entry Requirements

The general entry requirement for study at Level 2 is five GCSEs at grades 9-3 and suitability for the individual components of the pathway that you have chosen. Suitability to cope with the organisation, independence and expected behavior and attendance is essential. An identified and appropriate progression pathway is essential before starting the Level 2 Pathway. This pathway is only suitable for those aged 16 on 31 August in the year of entry.

Level 3 Entry Requirements (A Levels & A Level-equivalent courses)

The general entry requirement for study at Level 3 is five GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language and Maths. Many subjects require grades 9-6 at GCSE in the relevant subject. Please see the individual course descriptions for details of the entry requirements for each course. Students who narrowly miss English or Maths but gain five other 9-4 grades may be offered a place with provision to retake if these subjects do not form part of the subject specific entry requirements.

Students from overseas

If you are applying from overseas and not taking GCSEs or IGCSEs we will ask you to sit tests to identify which is the right pathway for you.

English and Maths GCSE

Any student who has not achieved at least a grade 4 in English or Maths GCSE (or equivalent) will attend lessons and be supported to take these exams.