Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if it s a level 3 course. Most Universities will accept BTEC level 3 Diplomas as equally as A-Levels, and it usually depends on your overall score (UCAS points). 

However, it depends on what subjects you want to do at University, some will still prefer A-Levels over a BTEC Diploma (this is often true for some Medicine based degrees). 

Here is a page with more information about  BTEC diplomas. 

In a nutshell, they are points to get you into University courses. 

But how do you know what UCAS points you'll have? There are many tariff charts on the internet. 

One of the best ones is here.

Basically, the better you do in your A-Levels / other course,  the higher your points will be. If you do more subjects, you stand a better chance at getting more points. However, Universities can still request a minimum grade in a particular subject!

For a full guide click here. 

The best option will totally depend on you, who you are, what you want to do in the future, what subjects or vocation you may want to do, and how quickly you want your degree (the apprenticeship route will take you longer but will give your more hands-on experience). Click the link below to explore the 2 options in more detail. 

It is a global education programme. Many students feel IB (International Baccalaureate) is more challenging than traditional A-Levels or diplomas. This is because they integrate other skills and qualities into your learning, so it is about  maturity, resilience and ability to think analytically. Some students love it! 

Some post-16 institutions only offer IB courses, while others allow you to mix-and-match. 

Will Universities accept IB? Yes, however it is always best to check with the University directly. 

Many education institutions will allow you to swap a course, if it is not too late in the first term to do so. It depends on how much work you will have missed in your newly chosen subject you want to do instead of this one. If you are a serial-swapper, chances are they'll soon cotton-on and will say no!

It is best advice to find out all you can about the subjects you might want to do beforehand, even if you think  you know all about it, you possibly don't know all there is to know, and could soon find it is not what you were expecting it to be. Find out what you can - attend open evenings, ask the tutors for more information, read about it, ask current students doing that subject, etc. 

Level 1 and 2 courses are equal to GCSE level. (Level 1 = grades 0-3, Level 2 = grades 4-9)

Level 3 = Advanced study (equivalent to A-Levels).

Level 4-6 = degree and higher level study

Level 7 is a Postgraduate / Masters. 

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HNC (Higher National Certificate) = level 4

HND (Higher National Diploma) = level 5

Apprenticeships can be at level 2, 3, 4 or higher.

Entry levels are pre-GCSE levels often taken by students with SEND.

This is a tough one. You never really know until you do it! I know that's not what you want to hear, but it's the truth of life, at any age and stage. Many decisions are to some extent a gamble, or risk. But there are things you can do to double-check before deciding:

1. Do your research! Find out as much as you can about it. There's always more to know!

2. Explore ALL your options. The option you dismissed early on could've been the best one for you! 

3. Don't just do what your mates are doing, or just because your mum or teacher said you should.

4. Think about what you want to do in the future, if you know, aim to pick at least 2 A-Levels that match, (if a FT Diploma at college - the same applies). If you don't know, think about the subjects you enjoy now or think you would enjoy - if it is a new subject. EXPLORE what's available!

5. Consider both the pros and cons of all your options - not just the good parts!