Entry Requirements and Course Levels

We are an inclusive college and welcome applications from all learners.

Our entry requirements help us identify the course and level that will give you the best opportunity to succeed. If you don’t meet the listed entry requirements, please still apply. Our team will work with you to find the right course or pathway to help you achieve your goals.

Entry requirements vary by course. Some courses may also require an interview, assessment, skills test, portfolio or examples of your work. Check the individual course page for details.

Course levels at a glance

Course level	Typical entry requirements	Typical progression
Level 1 – Foundation	No formal qualifications, or 0–2 GCSEs at grades 1–3	Level 2
Level 2 – Intermediate	2–4 GCSEs at grades 2–4, or a Level 1 qualification	Level 3 or an apprenticeship
Level 3 – Advanced	4–5 GCSEs at grades 4–5, including English and maths where required, or a Level 2 qualification	University, Level 4 study or advanced apprenticeships
Level 4 – Higher Education	Level 3 qualification or relevant work experience	Higher Education or career progression

These are typical requirements only. Flexibility may apply depending on the course and your individual circumstances.

What do GCSE grades and qualification levels mean?

GCSE grades 1–3 are Level 1 qualifications.

GCSE grades 4–9 are Level 2 qualifications.

A Levels, T Levels and many advanced vocational qualifications are Level 3.

College courses are available at different levels so you can start at the point that best matches your current qualifications, skills and experience.

If your GCSE results are lower than expected, read our guide to what happens if you don’t get the GCSE grades you need.

Course levels explained

Level 1 – Foundation

Level 1 courses provide an introduction to a subject and help you build practical skills, knowledge and confidence.

Typical entry requirements:

No formal qualifications required, or
0–2 GCSEs at grades 1, 2 or 3
Initial assessment in English and maths

Alternative entry through a reference, personal statement or demonstrated interest may also be considered.

Progression: Usually Level 2 study in the same or a related subject.

Level 2 – Intermediate

Level 2 courses build your subject knowledge and practical skills and can prepare you for Level 3 study, an apprenticeship or further training.

Typical entry requirements:

2–4 GCSEs at grades 2, 3 or 4, or
A relevant Level 1 qualification
Ideally English or maths at grade 3–4, or a willingness to continue studying these alongside your main course

Relevant experience may also be considered.

Progression: Level 3 study, an apprenticeship or further training.

Level 3 – Advanced

Level 3 includes A Levels, T Levels and advanced vocational qualifications. They are at the same qualification level but differ in how they are taught and assessed.

Typical entry requirements:

4–5 GCSEs at grades 4–5, including English and maths where required, or
A relevant Level 2 qualification

Some courses also have subject-specific requirements, such as a particular GCSE grade in maths, English, science or another relevant subject.

Progression: University, Level 4 study, advanced or higher apprenticeships, or employment.

Explore our A Levels and T Levels, or read our guide to A Levels, T Levels or vocational courses.

Level 4 – Higher Education

Level 4 qualifications include Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Certificates of Higher Education.

They allow you to develop more advanced specialist and professional skills after completing Level 3.

Typical entry requirements

A Level 3 qualification, such as A Levels, an Extended Diploma or Access to Higher Education qualification, or
Relevant work experience, particularly for adult learners
GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above

An interview may be required. If so, we will contact you after you apply.

Progression: A foundation degree, a full degree or career progression

How offers work

Waiting for your GCSE results?

If you apply before receiving your GCSE results, you will typically receive a conditional offer based on your predicted grades.

You will then be invited to enrol and asked to bring your final GCSE or exam results when they are available, usually in mid-August. Your course will be confirmed once we have reviewed your results.

Already have your results?

If you already have the qualifications required for your chosen course, we will typically be able to make you an unconditional offer.

You may still need to complete other course requirements, such as an interview, assessment or portfolio.

What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

Please still apply. Where possible, we will make you an alternative offer if you do not meet the requirements for your original course choice.

This could mean:

Studying the same subject at a different level
Choosing a related course
Taking a different qualification route
Continuing to study English or maths alongside your main programme

Our team will work with you to find the most appropriate pathway based on your results, interests and future goals.

English and maths

If you are aged 16–18 and have not yet achieved the required grade in GCSE English and/or maths, you may continue studying these subjects alongside your main college course.

This means you can continue progressing in your chosen subject while improving these essential skills.

Frequently asked questions

What GCSE grades do I need for a Level 3 course?

Entry requirements vary by course, but you will typically need 4–5 GCSEs at grades 4–5 or above, including English and maths. For industry-based or vocational subjects, you may also need to have successfully completed the relevant Level 2 qualification before progressing to Level 3. Some courses may have additional subject-specific requirements, so please check the individual course page for the exact entry requirements.

Can I apply if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

Yes. We encourage you to apply even if you do not currently meet all of the stated entry requirements. We will review your qualifications, experience and individual circumstances and, where appropriate, advise you on a suitable course, level or alternative pathway.

What is a conditional offer?

A conditional offer means you have been offered a place on the course, provided that you meet certain conditions before enrolment. These conditions may include achieving specific GCSE grades, completing a relevant qualification, providing evidence of your results, or meeting other course-specific requirements.

What is an unconditional offer?

An unconditional offer means that you have already met the main entry requirements for the course. You may still need to complete any remaining course-specific steps, such as an interview, assessment, audition, portfolio review or other checks, before you can enrol.

Can work experience count towards entry requirements?

Yes, in some cases. Relevant work experience, industry experience or prior learning may be considered as part of your application, particularly for adult learners and some vocational or Higher Education courses.

Entry requirements vary by course, so we recommend checking the individual course page for specific requirements.

Not sure which level to apply for?

Don’t worry if you are unsure. Choose the course that best matches your interests and predicted or existing grades. When we review your application, we can help identify the most appropriate level or pathway.

You can:

If you don’t quite meet the published entry requirements, please still apply. We’ll work with you to explore the options available and help you take your next step.