The Department for Education is planning changes to the qualifications on offer for young people to study from September 2025. There is no need to worry, we will still have a place for you at Lowestoft Sixth Form College on a wide range of subjects and qualifications. You will be able to choose great courses which suit your interests and ambitions.
Our study programmes are flexible and can be mixed and matched, combining A Levels with vocational courses to suit your interests, grades and career aims. We will take time to discuss all the possibilities with you when you come for your interview. If you are sitting your GCSEs in the summer and do not yet know the grades you will achieve, we can discuss this again in August when you come into college to formally sign up for your course following results day.
Take a look through the large range of subjects on offer and submit your application to get started.
Our advice is to choose:
- Subjects you enjoy
- Subjects you are good at
- Subjects which will support your career ambitions
Evidence shows that GCSE grades are a good guide when considering which subjects and what level of study is most suitable. Our Admissions team will explore this with you once you’ve made your application and again at enrolment to help build a programme that is right for you.
Our study programmes are flexible and you can mix and match, combining A Levels with BTEC/AAQ courses to suit your interests and career aims.
Level 3 Courses
A Levels
A Levels are subject-based qualifications, studied across two years. Assessment is through exams and coursework. With A Levels, you can progress onto university, employment or a higher apprenticeship.
You can select three A Levels to form a full study programme. Alternatively, you can combine A Levels with a BTEC to create a full study programme.
In order to study an A Level programme, you need to have achieved:
- At least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 in one sitting
- An average GCSE score of 5 is preferred but not essential
- GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 is preferred
- Meet any specific subject criteria
To follow a Science A Level programme, one that includes any two of these courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths, you will need at least an average GCSE grade 6 in the subject you have chosen to study.
Core Maths
Core Maths is an additional Level 3 qualification that can be taken alongside a full programme of study that includes other STEM subjects (Physics, Biology, Psychology, for example). The benefits of including Core Maths in your programme of study:
- Enhances your University application (especially for Russell Group universities and Oxbridge)
- UCAS points are awarded for Core Maths
- Helps develop knowledge and skills transferable to other STEM subjects you are taking
T Levels
T Levels are two-year qualifications designed to give you a head start towards the career you want. They have been designed for 16 to 19-year-olds and offer a mixture of classroom learning and work placement. They follow GCSEs, gain you UCAS points and are equivalent to three A Levels.
Our T Levels have been developed with employers and businesses to prepare you to step straight into your chosen career, an apprenticeship or university. Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 315 hours, providing valuable experience in the workplace.
BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC Nationals (BTEC) are Level 3 vocational qualifications that provide specialist, work-related learning in a range of sectors.
This is a full-time course of study over two years. This is a good option if you have done well at GCSE, but want something more vocational to suit your career choice. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications. They combine practical learning with subject and theory content.
You will be assessed predominately through coursework, which will range from practical tasks, presentations, assignments as well as work experience. The Extended Diploma is the equivalent of three A Levels. With a BTEC Extended Diploma, you can progress onto university, employment or a higher apprenticeship.
BTEC Diploma and Extended Qualification
These are full-time courses of study over two years. Both are predominately coursework based qualifications.
The Diploma is the equivalent of two A Levels and the Extended Qualification is the equivalent of one A Level, so you will need to combine these courses with each other or with A Levels to make a full programme. With a BTEC Level 3 Diploma and A Levels/BTEC Extended Qualification, you can progress onto university, an apprenticeship or employment.
To study a BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma or Extended Qualification a you will need to have achieved:
- Four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, or a Merit in a full Level 2 BTEC Diploma
- Grade 4 or above in GCSE English and Maths is preferred
- If you want to add an A Level with your BTEC, you will need to meet the entry criteria for A Levels
- All new specification BTEC Level 3s will have controlled assessments and/or an exam element.
Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQS)
AAQs are scholarly in nature and designed to support progression to further and higher education, making them the perfect choice for students who want to head to university. The AAQs offered at Lowestoft Sixth Form are equivalent to one A Level and can be studied alongside A Levels to make a full study programme. Four GCSEs at grades 9-4, or a Merit in a full Level 2 BTEC Diploma. Grade 4 or above in GCSE English and Maths is preferred. If you want to combine your AAQs with an A Level, you will need to meet the entry criteria for that A Level too.
Entry Requirements
Find out the entry requirements for your chosen course(s).
Level 2 Courses
Didn’t quite get the results you were hoping for? Dn’t worry! We offer a Navigate to A Levels programme for any students whose grades fall below the standard entry criteria for a Level 3 programme. If you are missing a grade in GCSE Maths or English, then you may be eligible for some Level 3 programmes. If you are missing both GCSE Maths and English then you are eligible for our Navigate to A Levels
programme only. You may also have the opportunity to also study GCSE Science on the Navigate course.
For example, if you just missed out on passing GCSE Maths, you could resit GCSE Maths alongside studying a Level 3 course. Our college team can help you with this.