Entry Requirements

Understanding A Levels and Vocational Courses

At SFH6, we offer two main types of Level 3 qualifications: A Levels and Applied courses such as BTEC and CTEC. Both pathways are equally respected, providing different routes to success depending on each student’s strengths, interests, and preferred way of learning. 

At SFH6, students can choose from a wide range of Level 3 courses, including A Levels and Applied qualifications such as BTEC or CTEC. All are recognised nationally and are valued equally by universities and employers. 

A Levels are traditional academic qualifications that focus on developing deep subject knowledge, critical thinking, and strong exam skills. They are assessed mainly through written examinations, with some subjects including coursework or practical assessments. 

Applied courses (BTEC and CTEC) are vocational qualifications that combine academic study with practical, real-world learning. They are assessed through a mixture of coursework, practical projects, and external assessments. These courses suit students who prefer continuous assessment and wish to apply their learning in practical contexts. 

Level 3 Applied courses are awarded by either BTEC or CTEC, and are equivalent in standard to A Levels. Students can take them in different sizes: 

• Extended Certificate – equivalent to 1 A Level 
• Diploma – equivalent to 2 A Levels 
• Extended Diploma – equivalent to 3 A Levels 

Applied qualifications are highly respected by universities, including those in the Russell Group. In fact, students who achieve Distinction or Distinction* grades in BTEC or CTEC courses earn the same UCAS tariff points as students achieving A or A* at A Level. 

In 2025, 78% of SFH6 students achieved Distinction or Distinction* in their BTEC courses, with many progressing to Russell Group universities and other top higher education institutions across the UK. 

Both A Level and Applied pathways at SFH6 open doors to university, apprenticeships, and high-level employment – enabling our students to choose the route that best supports their ambitions and learning styles.

A Levels

A Levels are two-year courses. This means that the whole course is assessed at the end of Year 13. Students will usually study 3 A Level subjects, although some students may be able to take 4, and this can be discussed at interview. 

Vocational Courses

Level 3 Applied courses are awarded by either BTEC or CTEC. The BTEC or CTEC courses are the same standard as A Levels. Some of these courses can be taken as an Extended Certificate (the same as 1 A Level), Diploma (the same as 2 A Levels) or an Extended Diploma (the same as 3 A Levels).  

Students may choose to study a combination of A Level and Level 3 Vocational courses, and this will be carefully discussed at the course discussion meeting. 

SFH6 General Entry Requirements

Four A Levels

Applicants wishing to study four A Levels should achieve an Average Point Score (APS) of 8 across their best eight GCSEs. Students must also meet the subject-specific entry requirements for each course.

Three A Levels

Applicants wishing to study three A Levels should achieve a minimum Average Point Score (APS) of 5.7 across their GCSEs, including Grade 4 in both English and Maths, i.e., most GCSEs at 6 or above. Students must also meet the subject-specific entry requirements for each course.

A Level and Vocational Programme

Applicants wishing to study a combination of A Level and Level 3 Vocational courses should achieve an Average Point Score (APS) of 5 across their best eight GCSEs, including Grade 4 in English. Students must also meet the subject-specific entry requirements for their chosen courses.

Level 3 Vocational Courses

Applicants wishing to study Level 3 Vocational courses should achieve an Average Point Score (APS) of 4 and have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English Language or English Literature. Students must also meet the subject-specific entry requirements for their chosen courses.

GCSE Maths Resit

All students who have not yet achieved Grade 4 in GCSE Maths will be required to join a GCSE Maths resit class.

A Level Course Criteria

Art & Design (Art)
Grade 6 in Art.

Art & Design (Textiles or Graphics)
Grade 6 in Textiles or Graphics, plus a portfolio.

Biology
Grade 6 in Biology and one other Science, or Grade 6-6 in Combined Science. Grade 6 in Maths.

Business
Grade 6 in Business (if taken at GCSE), or Grade 6 in either English or a Humanities subject. Grade 5 in Maths.

Chemistry
Grade 6 in Chemistry and one other Science, or Grade 6-6 in Combined Science. Grade 7 in Maths.

Computing
Grade 6 in Computing and Grade 6 in Maths.

Drama
Grade 5 in Drama (if taken) and Grade 5 in English or a Humanities subject. Experience of performance, either as an actor or designer.

Economics
Grade 6 in Maths and English Language. Grade 6 in GCSE Business or Economics if taken.

English Literature
Grade 6 in English Language and English Literature.

Film Studies
Grade 6 in English Language, Media Studies or a Humanities subject.

French
Grade 6 in French.

Further Mathematics
Grade 8 in Maths. A Level Maths must also be taken. Further Mathematics can only be taken as a fourth subject alongside Maths.

Geography
Grade 6 in Geography.

Government & Politics
Grade 6 in History if taken. If not, Grade 6 in English Language or English Literature.

History
Grade 6 in History.

Mathematics
Grade 7 in Maths.

Media Studies
Grade 6 in English Language or Grade 6 in Media Studies.

Photography
Grade 6 in Photography, Art or English. Grade 6 in Textiles or Graphics will also be considered.

Physics
Grade 6 in Physics and one other Science, or Grade 6-6 in Combined Science. Grade 7 in Maths.

Product Design
Grade 6 in Design & Technology. Grade 5 in Maths.

Psychology
Grade 6 in English Language or English Literature, and Grade 5 in Maths or Science. Grade 6 in Psychology if taken.

Sociology
Grade 6 in Sociology if taken. If not, Grade 6 in English or a Humanities subject.

Spanish
Grade 6 in Spanish.

Level 3 CTEC/BTEC Course Criteria

AAQ Science
Two Grade 5s in Science and Grade 4 in Maths.

Business
Grade 4 in English, Grade 4 in a Humanities subject and Grade 4 in Maths. Grade 5 in Maths for the Extended Diploma.

Child Development
Grade 4 in English. Merit in Level 2 Health & Social Care if taken.

Health & Social Care
Grade 4 in English. Merit in Level 2 Health & Social Care if taken.

BTEC Psychology
Grade 4 in English, Grade 4 in a Humanities subject and Grade 4 in Maths.

BTEC Music
Grade 4 in GCSE Music (if taken), plus the ability to practise, read music and complete an audition.