Course Levels & Entry Requirements

Thinking about coming to College? Unsure which level is right for you?
Take a look at the levels guide and entry requirements below to see what you need...

Make sure you look at the specific entry requirements for the course you are considering. For all of our courses you will be invited to attend an interview with the course tutor.

These include A Levels, vocational qualifications (including Extended Diplomas, Diplomas, Certificates) and apprenticeships. A triple distinction star grade (D*D*D*) on a Level 3 vocational course is equivalent to three A* grades at A Level. 

Entry Requirements: An appropriate Level 2 vocational qualification and/or five GCSEs at grade 4/5 (C) or above. 

These courses are usually vocational and allow you to begin specialising in an area you want to pursue as a career.

Entry requirements: An appropriate Level 1 vocational qualification and/or GCSEs at mostly grade 3 (D) or above. 

These courses are usually vocational and will equip you with the practical and theoretical skills to progress onto a Level 2 course. 

Entry requirements: An appropriate Entry Level vocational qualification and/or GCSEs at grade 2-1 (E-F) or above. 

These courses are usually vocational and will develop your basic skills, experience and confidence to progress onto a Level 1 course. 

Entry requirements: No formal qualifications.

Many GCSEs are now graded 1 to 9, with 9 being the top grade. Check out our diagram below for further details. 

New GCSE Grading Structure Current GCSE Grading Structure
9
8
7		  A*
A
6
5
4
 B
C
-
3
2
1
 D
E
F
G
U U