Taking education to the next level is different for each individual. This is why we offer a broad range of courses for 16 to 19 years, so you have the option to study in a way that will get you to where you want to be.

A levels

A levels are the traditional route to higher education, allowing learners to specialise in a range of chosen subjects. They’re not just applicable to those looking to progress to university – A levels are also respected qualifications to have for on-the-job training, a higher apprenticeship and to enter employment. A levels look great on CVs, ensuring individuals stand out to prospective employers or universities. They help develop knowledge in chosen subject areas, and build key academic and analytical skills that prepare each learner for the future.

Vocational
Pathways

Vocational qualifications, such as BTEC diplomas, allow learners to specialise in a particular subject and enrich it with hands-on learning and industry experience. As well as studying their chosen A level subjects, students entering Leeds Sixth Form College will follow one of our four pathways: Omega, Zeta, Gamma, Delta. Students will be advised which pathway best suits their ambitions during their initial guidance interview.

For detailed information about each pathway, please see below

  • Omega Pathway
    Entry Criteria
    6+ GCSEs

    Curriculum – courses
    Three A levels over two years (possibly four depending on progress).

    N.B. Applications for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, or Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities will require at least two traditional subjects – e.g. Maths, Further Maths, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, History, Geography and Modern Foreign Languages.

    Curriculum – extra
    Super-curricular student activities that enhance academic study, including Points Booster courses (EPQ or Core Maths); interview and entrance test preparation; and enrichment activities (volunteering, first aid and leadership).

    Possible destinations (following completion of pathway)
    Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, an Oxbridge or Russell Group Universities degree, or degree apprenticeship.

  • Zeta Pathway
    Entry Criteria
    5+ GCSEs

    Curriculum – courses
    Three A levels over two years in a choice of subjects.

    Super-curricular student activities that enhance academic study, including Points Booster courses (EPQ or Core Maths) and enrichment activities (volunteering, first aid and leadership).

    Curriculum – extra
    Super-curricular student activities that enhance academic study, including Points Booster courses (EPQ or Core Maths); interview and entrance test preparation; and enrichment activities (volunteering, first aid and leadership).

    Possible destinations (following completion of pathway)
    University degree at a Russell Group or other university, or a higher apprenticeship.

  • Gamma Pathway
    Entry Criteria
    4+ GCSEs

    Curriculum – courses
    Two A levels over two years in a choice of subject, plus one vocational diploma in either Sport Science & Exercise or Applied Science

    Curriculum – extra
    Super-curricular student activities that enhance academic study, including Points Booster courses (EPQ or Core Maths) and enrichment activities (volunteering, first aid and leadership).

    Possible destinations (following completion of pathway)
    University degree at various universities or a higher apprenticeship.

  • Delta Pathway
    Delta (Five GCSEs programme only)

    For this pathway, there are no fixed entry qualifications and applicants may or may not have previously studied GCSEs. Our experienced staff will consider each individual’s educational background, qualifications and experience. The main entry consideration is that students must have a reasonable chance of securing grade 4 or above in each of the subjects to be taken at the end of one year of study. Prospective students undertake English and maths assessments during the interview process.

    Entry Criteria
    Initial assessment

    Curriculum – courses
    A step-up programme designed for students aged 16-18 who aspire to study A levels but do not have the GCSE requirements to do so. Students will study a package of five GCSEs in Year 1 and, on successful completion at grades 9-4, will go on to study A levels in Years 2 and 3.

    Curriculum – extra
    Five GCSEs following either a science or humanities pathway. Students who successfully complete Year 1 and have good attendance will progress to the two-year A level programme at Leeds Sixth Form College.

    Possible destinations (following completion of pathway)
    University degree at various universities or a higher apprenticeship.