Please note that entry requirements determine whether a student is eligible for A-Level study. However, the college will also use programme guidance to recommend the most suitable programme of study. Please check individual course profiles for their specific requirements before making your choices.
| PATHWAY | ENTRY CRITERIA | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | 555444 | GCSE Grade 4 English Language
GCSE Maths - see subject guidance |
| Vocational | 444444 | GCSE Grade 4 English Language recommended - see subject guidance
GCSE Maths - see subject guidance |
| Mixed (A-Level and Vocational) | 554444 | GCSE Grade 4 English Language GCSE Maths - see subject guidance |
| T-Level | 555444 | GCSE Grade 4 English Language
GCSE Maths - see subject guidance GCSE Science - see subject guidance |
| Foundation | 4333 | GCSE Grade 2s in English Language and/or Maths |
Up to two GCSE grades can be replaced with equivalent Level 2 Vocational qualification grades.
Specialisms
All Level 3, A-Level and Vocational programme students can study up to four A-Level equivalent courses. Students are able to select a ‘specialism’ as one of their four courses.
A T-Level is a full four-course equivalent programme so cannot be studied alongside other subjects/ courses.
For more details about the specialisms – including entry criteria – click here
Every student’s study programme will also include a weekly Personal Development Programme (tutorial) and enrichment activities.
Subject / Course Entry Requirements
The College reserves the right to adjust entry requirements in light of the development of government policy, grade thresholds, and local and national circumstances.
| COURSE | COURSE SIZE | PATHWAY | ENTRY CRITERIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● GCSE 4 in Art or related subject |
| Fine Art | 2 | A-Level / Mixed | ● GCSE 4 in Art or related subject (or an agreed portfolio) |
| Art and Design - Creative Practices | 3 | Vocational / Mixed | ● GCSE 4 in Art or related subject (or an agreed portfolio) |
| Applied Science | 2 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE Science or a Merit (MM) in Level 2 Vocational Science
● Grade 4 in GCSE maths and English |
| Applied Human Biology | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE Science or a Merit (MM) in Level 2 Vocational Science
● Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English |
| Biology | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 6 in GCSE Biology or Grade 66 in GCSE Combined Science
● Grade 5 in GCSE Maths ● Grade 5 in English Language |
| Business | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● GCSE Grade 4 in Maths (Grade 5 preferred) |
| Business | 1 or 3 | Vocational / Mixed | ● GCSE Grade 4 in Maths |
| Chemistry | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry or Grade 66 in GCSE Combined Science
● Grade 5 GCSE in Maths (Grade 6 advised) ● Grade 5 GCSE in English Language. |
| Classical Civilisation | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Computer Game Development | 3 | Vocational / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Computer Science | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 6 in GCSE Maths |
| Criminology | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Dance | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Audition
● Grade 4 in GCSE English Language |
| Dance | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Audition
● Grade 4 in GCSE English Language |
| Drama | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Audition
● Grade 4 in both GCSE English Language and English Literature |
| Early Years, Childcare and Education | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● GCSE 4 in English and Maths, DBS Clearance |
| Economics | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● GCSE Grade 5 in Maths and English Language |
| Education and Childcare | 4 | T-Level | ● GCSE 4 in English and Maths, DBS Clearance |
| Electronics | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE Science Trilogy or in separate Sciences
● Grade 5 in GCSE Maths |
| Engineering | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE Science Trilogy or in separate sciences, or a Merit in a relevant Level 2 vocational programme
● Grade 4 in GCSE English Language ● Grade 5 in GCSE Maths. |
| Engineering | 4 | T-Level | ● Grade 6 in GCSE Maths
● Grade 5 in GCSE Science / Physics ● Grade 5 in GCSE English Language |
| English Language | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE English Language |
| English Language & Literature | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE English Language ● Grade 4 in GCSE English Literature |
| English Literature | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE English Literature
● Grade 4 in GCSE English Language |
| Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
5 pathways available: ● Dissertation ● Artefact ● Product Design ● Climate & Sustainability ● Cyber Security | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE English Language |
| Film Studies | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| French | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE French
● Grade 5 in GCSE English Language |
| Geography | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE Geography
● Grade 5 in GCSE Maths |
| Geology | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE Science |
| Graphic Design | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE Art or related subject |
| Health & Social Care | 1 or 2 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE Science |
| History (Modern or Early Modern) | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Journalism | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE English Language
● Pre-enrolment assessment |
| Information Technology | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
● Grade 4 in GCSE Maths |
| Law | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Law | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Mathematics | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 7 in GCSE Maths |
| (Further) Mathematics | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 8 in GCSE Maths .
● Must be studied alongside AS Mathematics |
| Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE Maths |
| Media Studies | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Media Studies (Creative Media Production and Technology) | 3 | Vocational / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Music | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Performance Grade 5
● Theory Grade 5 ● Audition |
| Music Performance | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Audition |
| Music Production | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Audition |
| Music Performance and Music Production | 2 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Audition
● Pre-enrolment Questionnaire |
| Music Performance and Music Production Extended | 3 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Audition
● Pre-enrolment Questionnaire |
| Musical Theatre (Performing Arts) | 2 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Audition |
| Philosophy | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 6 in GCSE English Language |
| Photography | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in Art or related subject or portfolio |
| Physical Education | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE Science and/or Physical Education, or a Distinction in relevant Level 2 vocational course
● An active and current participant in sport; playing or coaching |
| Physics | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 6 in GCSE Physics or Grade 66 in GCSE Combined Science
● Grade 6 in GCSE Maths ● Grade 5 in GCSE English Language ● AS Maths is strongly recommended and essential to progress to the full A-Level Physics |
| Politics | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Production Arts | 3 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE English Language |
| Psychology | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE Maths |
| Protective Services | 2, 3 | Vocational / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Religious Studies | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE English Language |
| Sociology | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● General Entry Requirements Only |
| Spanish | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE Spanish
● Grade 5 in GCSE English Language |
| Sport | 1 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 5 in GCSE Science
● Grade 5 in GCSE English Language |
| Sport & Exercise Science | 3 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE Maths
● Grade 4 in GCSE English Language ● Grade 5 in GCSE Science |
| Sport - Football, Coaching & Development | 3 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Sports Trial
● Playing football on a regular / weekly basis ● Playing for College Academy / Club level |
| Sport - Coaching & Development | 3 | Vocational / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE Science
● An active participant in sports; playing, coaching or officiating |
| Textiles and Fashion | 1 | A-Level / Mixed | ● Grade 4 in GCSE Art or related subject or portfolio |
Foundation Year Programme and other Level 2 qualifications
| Course | Additional Notes |
|---|---|
| Level 2 Vocational Programmes - one of the following courses:
● Art and Design ● Business Studies and Travel ● Early Years/Health (T-Level transition) ● Media Studies ● Public Services ● Sport | The majority of students will combine with English or Maths (see below). However, some students (particularly those who have achieved a maths and English grade 4 but only have 4 x 4 GCSEs) may be able to build a broader and more challenging programme for example combining Health and GCSE Science. |
| GCSE English | GCSE Grade 3 in English. |
| English Core | GCSE Grade 2 in English or below. |
| English as an Additional Language (EAL) | Students whose first language is not English. |
| Functional Skills Maths | GCSE Grade 2 in Maths or below. |
| GCSE Maths | GCSE Grade 3 in Maths. |
| GCSE Maths Plus | GCSE Grade 4 in Maths. |
| GCSE Trilogy Science (this is one course) | GCSE Grade 3 in Science, 3 and above in double award Science. |
GCSE English and Maths
The government requires that students continue to study English and Maths if they do not achieve a grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English Language or Literature. At Priestley, students who do not achieve a grade 4 in English Language must also keep working towards it as it’s an important qualification for many employers, apprenticeship providers, and universities.
For more information about entry requirements email: admissions@priestley.ac.uk