Academic Qualifications

The College has over 20 AS/A Level to choose from. AS/A Levels are studied at Leigh Sixth Form College, Sale Way, Leigh.
Students usually study between 3 or 4 AS subjects in their first year with the option of converting to a minimum of 3 or 4 full A Levels in their second year.

New for 2009
Generally you will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above from different subjects including English. For some
subjects you will need a grade B in a specified GCSE, these subjects will be highlighted to you at interview.

To help you select subjects which are likely to bring you the greatest success your interviewer will discuss your overall
examination performance using a points score system. Your points will be calculated from a maximum of your best 8 grades from different subjects at GCSE or equivalent vocational qualifications.

Students with over 43 points can choose 3 or 4 subjects from our full range of AS/A Levels.

Students with between 37 and 43 points will choose 3 AS/A Levels from a more limited range of subjects. This range will be highlighted at interview.

Points are calculated on your range of GCSEs/vocational qualifications as follows:

A* = 58 pts, A = 52 pts, B = 46 pts, C = 40 pts, D = 34 pts,
E = 28 pts, F = 22 pts and U = 0.

For vocational courses:
Distinction = 55 pts, Merit = 49 pts and Pass = 40pts.

Select your best 8 grades up to a maximum of 8. If you have completed less than 8, total up just these grades. Divide your total by the number of grades to gain an average points score.

For example:

8 Grades
A student with 1 grade A, 2 grade Bs, 4 grades Cs and 1 grade D has 42.5 average points score.
1x52, + 2x46, +4x40, +1x34 = 338/8 = 42.25

6 Grades
A student with a Merit, 1 Grade B, 3 grade Cs, and 1 grade F has 39.5 average points score.
1x49, + 1x46, +3x40, + 1x22 = 237/6 = 39.5

Applications for AS/A Levels will be accepted up to 31 March 2010.

If you would like a copy of our 2009 full-time prospectus you can download it here.

"I feel I will benefit from what I have studied at the College."

Kelly Jones
A Level student

The College offers a range of vocational courses that relate to a particular job. They are designed to help you get the work-related knowledge and experience you need to take the next steps to your chosen career. These courses are practical and skills-focused, with many including work-related projects or work experience. They are ideal for anyone who likes to complete assignments and be assessed on a continuous basis throughout the year.

Vocational courses are studied at different levels depending on an individual's GCSE results. See the table below so that you can check where you are at now and how you can progress further in education.

Here's a brief explanation of the abbreviations below and on course information:

BTEC
These nationally recognised qualifications range from Introductory Level (Level 1) right through to the National Diploma (Level 3). Each qualification is practically-based, offering work-related experience for a range of careers. Many students studying on the BTEC National Diploma go on to University.

CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) / CGLI (City & Guilds London Institute)
Our construction courses are accredited by the above awarding bodies and are specific to the construction industry. These are practical-based courses, which relate directly to the occupation of your choice and ensure that you have the underpinning knowledge to carry out the skills acquired on the course within the workplace.

NVQ (National Vocational Qualification)
You may wish to take an NVQ, where you will build a portfolio of work and carry out practical assignments to prove to employers that you can actually do the job. There are courses that range from Level 1 right through to Level 3.

"I like practical, hands-on work. I am now one step closer to becoming a joiner."

Shaun Dippnall, Joinery student