Your course will depend on your GCSE results. Most students on AS/A2 programmes take four AS courses in their first year, whilst the students who are most able may study five.

In the second year most students will go on to take three A-Levels. At your enrolment interview you will discuss the course you can take depending on your qualifications and career aim.

We think it is important that you enrol on a programme which you will succeed on, but also one that will challenge you to reach your full potential.
 

To take a Level 3 programme at Priestley you will need to have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or equivalent. Your overall programme will be determined by your average GCSE points score.

To take A-Levels at Priestley you should have an average GCSE points score of 5 or above and have a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English Language or English Literature

GCSE average of 7 or better = option of taking four or five AS/ A-Levels or equivalent
GCSE average of 6 to 6.9 = option of taking four AS/ A-Levels or equivalent
GCSE average of 5 to 5.9 = option of taking three A-Levels or equivalent with an extended enrichment
GCSE average of less than 5 = option of taking Level 3 vocational qualifications

You can still take an A-Level course but you will need to think carefully about your course. This reduces the number of options you can take.

If you obtain five GCSEs at 4 or above not including GCSE English or Maths, you will be required to work to improve your English or Maths and your Level 3 programme will be limited to three ASs or an Extended Diploma or a Diploma and one AS in your first year.

If you do not achieve GCSE English and GCSE Maths at 4 or above, you will be required to work to improve both your English and Maths whilst taking a reduced Level 3 programme. This will normally result in a three-year study programme.

Working to improve English and or Maths does not mean you will automatically follow a GCSE programme. Other more suitable programmes may be available. The right programme for you will be determined at Registration, where once you have received your GCSE results tutors at the College will help you to pick an appropriate course for your qualifications.

We strongly encourage students taking advanced vocational courses to take an AS alongside their course (this will not be possible with some Health and Education courses).

Some students do not achieve what they expect at GCSE and so cannot progress immediately on to an A-Level course.

In this case we strongly recommend students consider our Foundation Programme, which starts at Level 2 and acts as a potential pathway to a Level 3 option. Read more about the Foundation Programme.

Within reason you should be able to cope with a limited amount of part-time work whilst at college. However, you will be a full-time student, so your priority must be your college work. You must expect to be in college between 8.45am to 4pm every day.

Part-time work commitments cannot intrude into the college day, since apart from anything else, timetables may change throughout the year.

We recommend that you do no more than 15 hours per week during term time. Your personal tutor will provide guidance on this issue and you should consult them if you have any major financial concerns as there may be some help available through the Access Fund.

Generally courses are free for students aged between 16-19. However, certain conditions may apply, for example if you are a student from overseas. Text books will be provided by your course departments on a loan basis, however you are responsible for the purchase of your own consumables such as pens and paper etc.

Bursaries are available. To see if you qualify check the following document.

Yes, but your aim should be to make the best choice at enrolment. You can change a course after discussion with your Personal Tutor.

It is not advisable to change courses after the induction period since you are likely to be too far behind to join a new course. 

**The option to change courses closed on Friday, 23rd September.

Priestley College is committed to giving young parents support during their continued education. The head of Student Services is able to advise you on what support can be offered.

We can also advise and guide a young person about the most appropriate childcare facilities in their local community. Just give college a ring and you will be put through to Head of Student Services who will be happy to help you.

In college we run a cashless catering system. You can find out how to register here > Cashless Catering