We offer a wide range of study options, designed to suit different learning styles, career goals and academic ambitions. Whether you’re aiming for university, employment, or hands-on training, there’s a route that’s right for you.
Quick jump to a course type: A Levels | T Levels | Vocational courses | Apprenticeships
A Levels are two-year, linear courses that offer in-depth study in three or four subjects, giving you the flexibility to keep your future options open.
They’re an excellent choice for academically focused students aiming for university or other higher education pathways. At our dedicated sixth form centre, MC6, we offer a wide range of A Level subjects to suit your interests and ambitions.
Unlike traditional school sixth forms, MC6 provides an independent learning environment that prepares you for the realities of university life or the world of work, helping you build confidence, independence, and academic resilience.
Mix it Up with a Vocational Course
Our Mix It Up programme offers you the opportunity to broaden your future career opportunities by studying a Vocational course alongside your A Levels.
Vocational courses are equivalent to one A Level and taught within MC6 by specialist A Level tutors. Some of our vocational courses require a combination of specific A Level subjects to ensure career progression.
Choose the combination that suits you most:
- Three A Levels or Three A Level Equivalents
- Two A Levels and One A Level Equivalent
- One A Level and Two A Level Equivalents
T Levels Explained
T Levels are an alternative to A Levels, designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to progress in your career.
This two-year qualification blends classroom learning with real-world experience:
- 80% in the classroom developing core knowledge and technical skills
- 20% in the workplace through an industry placement lasting at least 45 days
Your placement will give you valuable insights into your chosen sector and the chance to apply what you’ve learned in a real working environment.
Developed in collaboration with employers and industry experts, T Level courses are tailored to meet the needs of the modern workforce. You’ll be supported throughout by our dedicated Work Placement Officers who will help you secure a placement that aligns with your career goals.
Foundation T Level Programmes
If you don’t yet meet the entry requirements for a Level 3 T Level, our one-year Foundation Programmes are designed to help you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to progress.
These courses provide a supportive stepping-stone, preparing you for the demands of a full T Level while helping you develop essential academic and practical skills.
If you’re interested in a Foundation T Level, simply apply for the T Level course of your choice. Once your exam results are confirmed, our team will guide you onto the most suitable programme during enrolment, ensuring you’re on the right path to success
Vocational Courses Explained
Vocational courses focus on developing your practical skills and sector-specific knowledge, preparing you for direct entry into employment or progression to university.
These courses are ideal if you enjoy hands-on learning and have a clear idea of the career you want to pursue. They’re designed to reflect real-world challenges, linking what you learn in the classroom to everyday situations in the workplace.
Whether you’re aiming to become a chef, engineer, hairdresser, or something else entirely, we offer Vocational courses across a wide range of industries. You’ll train in state-of-the-art facilities and be taught by tutors with industry experience in the fields they teach.
You’ll choose one Vocational course, and study at Entry Level through to Level 3, depending on the qualifications you hold when you leave school.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a training programme that combines paid work with study, allowing you to gain experience in a specific job role while working towards a qualification.
To study an apprenticeship, you will need to apply for a vacancy with an employer offering the apprenticeship. This works similar to a job search, in which you search through vacancies and submit your CV. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview with the company.
During the apprenticeship, you will follow an apprenticeship standard, the framework for the qualification. You will typically spend four days in the workplace and one day in the classroom. A personal assessor will be allocated to you to guide you throughout your apprenticeship, and will be available to answer any questions you have whilst studying.
As an apprentice, you will be entitled to the national apprentice wage and holiday entitlements and will study between one to four years depending on your programme.
Northern Skills is our apprenticeship provider; the team are on hand to support you throughout your apprenticeship, from helping you find an appropriate vacancy through to helping you plan your end-point-assessment.
