Moving On To College

 

College websites can give you a valuable insight into what subjects and grades you need to be achieving. Current guidance is written using the legacy GCSE grades of A*-C. However, as a rough guide:

1. to study 3 A levels, you will need to have 6 GCSEs at 4 including English and Maths. Some colleges require more.
2. whilst most students study 3 A levels, it is possible to study 4 A levels. Check the college websites for requirements especially if choosing double Maths.
3. to study the International Baccalaureate you will need at least 7 GCSEs at Grade 6 or above including English, Maths and Science.
4. to study a vocational level 3 course, you will need 5 GCSEs at 4 or equivalent including English or Maths depending on the college.
5. to study a vocational level 2 course, you will need 5 GCSEs at 3 or equivalent including English or Maths depending on the college.

Some courses will require specific grades at GCSE. You need to check this information yourself. The following is just a guide based on requirements that colleges have given in the past for A levels.

Any Art A Level	Minimum requirement of a 5 or 4 at GCSE Art (dependent on college).
Any Science A Level	Two Grade 6 GCSEs in Science, including the Science selected (e.g. Physics for Physics A level) or Combined Science plus Grade 5 in Maths and English.
Any Language A Level	At least a 6 achieved at GCSE in the chosen language and 4 in English Language.
Maths	Grade 6 GCSE in Maths and 4 in English for BHASVIC or 4 in Science for Varndean.
Double Maths (Maths and Further Maths)	Grade 7 GCSE in Maths and 4 in English for BHASVIC or 4 in Science for Varndean.
Computer Science	Grade 6 in Maths GCSE. Varndean also require grade 6 in Computing.
Music	Grade 6 or above in Music GCSE or Grade 5 instrumental exam.