Entry Requirements — Solihull Sixth Form College

Entry Requirements

We ask for a certain level of academic attainment in order to join the College. We have set our entry requirements at this level because we believe that if you have achieved these grades you are prepared for the challenge of advanced level study and should start your courses with us with confidence.

OUR STUDY PROGRAMMES

For entry in September 2023, there are five sets of criteria, depending on what programme of study you choose. Your choices are:

1. Standard 3 A level Programme:

The majority of our students will choose to study 3 A level subjects and will commit to these subjects for the full 2 years. Entry requirements for this programme are:

  • At least two grade 6s at GCSE
  • At least a further three grade 4s at GCSE
  • You should have at least grade 4 in BOTH GCSE English Language AND Mathematics.

Please note that there may be additional entry requirements specific to particular subjects – please check each subject listing on our website carefully to ensure you understand these entry requirements.

2. 4 A level Programme:

Some very able students may choose to study 4 A level subjects. These students must commit to these 4 subjects for the full 2 years. This will include most students who choose to study A level Further Mathematics, who will pick Mathematics, Further Mathematics and two other subjects. Entry requirements for this programme are:

  • At least five grade 7s at GCSE
  • You should have at least grade 6 in GCSE English Language AND Mathematics.
  • Check each subject listing on our website for any subject-specific grade requirements.

3. BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2 A level equivalent) plus 1 A level/A level equivalent:

The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma courses are equivalent to studying 2 A levels and have similar requirements. The only difference is that other courses equivalent to GCSE (e.g. BTEC First Awards and OCR Nationals) count towards the entry requirements. To support your future aspirations, you must choose one from the wide selection of A level/A level equivalent courses we have on offer to complement your BTEC level 3 National Diploma. You will need:

  • At least two grade 6s at GCSE
  • At least a further three grade 4s at GCSE
  • You should have at least grade 4 in BOTH GCSE English Language AND Mathematics.
  • Some BTEC Level 3 National Diplomas have specific entry requirements: e.g. Science requires a minimum of two grade 4s in GCSE Science.
  • Check each subject listing on our website for any subject-specific grade requirements relating to the A level/A level equivalent you wish to study alongside the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.

4. BTEC Extended Diploma (3 A level equivalent):

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma courses are equivalent to studying 3 A levels, so have similar entry requirements to A levels. The only differences are that other courses equivalent to GCSE (e.g. BTEC First Awards and OCR Nationals) count towards entry requirements for BTEC and on some courses students are accepted with either English Language OR Maths at grade 4 (see below). You will need:

  • At least two grade 6s at GCSE or merits on an equivalent course
  • At least a further three grade 4s at GCSE or equivalent, including at least grade 4 in GCSE English Language OR Mathematics, with at least grade 3 in the other one. Students who have a grade 3 in one of these two key subjects will be required to retake this GCSE in addition to the BTEC Extended Diploma.
  • Some BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma courses have specific entry requirements: Science requires a minimum grade 4 in Maths and two grade 4s in GCSE Science; IT requires a minimum grade 4 in Maths and IT/Computer Science; Art & Design requires a minimum grade 4 in an Arts-based GCSE.

5. T (Technical) Level (3 A level equivalent):

T levels are two-year technical courses, which are equivalent to three A levels and have a substantial industry placement alongside. You will need:

  • At least two grade 6s at GCSE or merits on an equivalent course
  • At least a further three grade 4s at GCSE or equivalent
  • BOTH GCSE English Language AND Mathematics at grade 4 or above. Students wishing to move into teaching in the future also require at least a grade 4 in GCSE Science.

Courses

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Case Studies

Suweda Abdirahman

Suweda Abdirahman came to the College from Heartlands Academy to study A levels. She chose Mathematics, Further Maths and Computer…

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