We offer courses from Entry Level and Level 1 (Foundation) to Level 3 (Advanced) - you can even go on to start your degree with us!

Which Level is Best for You?

Take a look at your expected (or actual) GCSE grades and compare them with the table below. This table is a guide to our general GCSE entry requirements.

Don’t worry if you are between two Levels – you can apply for courses from both. This table does not cover all the possibilities – we will advise you at your interview.

At New College, you can move up from Level 1 to Level 2, and from Level 2 to Level 3.

If you have at least... You can start... Level of Course
6 grade As or A* in at least 3 different subjects 5 AS Levels Level 3 (Advanced)
5 grade Cs or above in at least 3 different subjects, with 2 grade Bs 4 AS Levels
BTEC National plus AS Level(s)
Diploma (Advanced)
Baccalaureate
5 grade Cs in at least 3 different subjects 3 AS Levels
BTEC National
Childcare & Education (CACHE Level 3) Travel & Tourism (OCR Level 3 Cert) Financial Studies (ifs Level 3)
Advanced Apprenticeship
4 grade Ds BTEC First Diploma
Childcare & Education (CACHE Level 3) Creative Music Producer
Diploma (Higher)
ICT (Digital Applications – DiDA Level 2) OCR Level 2 National Certificate 		Level 2 (Intermediate)
2 grade Ds 4 GCSEs
The GCSE Programme
Apprenticeship
Some NCFE Level 2 Certificates
2 grade Es The Art & Design Programme
ICT (Digital Applications – DiDA Level 1) Preparation for Work Programme
few or no GCSE passes Art & Design (AQA Entry Level Cert)
Caring for Children (CACHE F Award) Health & Social Care (BTEC Intro Dip) Some NCFE Level 1 Certificates
Some OCR Level 1 National Certificates Sport & Leisure (BTEC Intro Diploma) Physical Education (OCR Entry Level Cert) Preparation for Work Programme		 Entry Level & Level 1 (Foundation)

Entry Level & or Level 1 (Foundation Learning Tier)

With an Entry Level or Level 1 (one-year) programme (now called the Foundation Learning Tier), you take:

  • a main vocational course - you learn about a particular job area and the skills necessary to go on to a further Level 2 course or to work in that area.
  • Essential Skills courses (Maths, English and IT)

Level 2 (Intermediate)

If you are heading for a Level 2 (one-year) programme, you have three choices:

  • GCSE Programme - catch up on your GCSEs before you go on to another course or into a job or an Apprenticeship, and gain added support and confidence. A successful programme of GCSEs could allow you to go on to a Level 3 (Advanced) course.
  • Higher Diploma
  • Vocational Level 2 course - you learn about a particular job area and gain relevant skills. Equivalent to 4 GCSEs at Grade C, it will allow you to progress to a Level 3 course. You usually combine them with at least one GCSE or other Level 2 course.

Level 3 (Advanced)

For a Level 3 (two-year) programme you can choose:

  • AS/A Levels
  • Advanced Diploma
  • BTEC National – a vocational course that has few or no exams: assessment is by your written assignments or practical work. Equivalent to A Levels (the two-year Certificate and Diploma courses are 2 and 3 A Levels, the one-year Award is 1 A Level), it enables you to go on to Higher Education or straight to employment. You may be able to combine a BTEC National with other AS or A Levels.
  • Other Level 3 course - Audio Producer Award (Rockschool); Childcare & Education (CACHE Level 3 Certificate); Financial Studies (ifs School of Finance Certificate & Diploma); Stepping Stones to Childcare or Health & Social Care); Travel & Tourism (OCR Diploma)