GCSE

If your GCSE results don't yet allow you to move straight onto A Levels, the Advanced Foundation Programme (AFP) gives you the chance to strengthen your grades, improve your study skills, and become a more independent learner. The idea is that you spend a year with us, here on site a full part of the college community, including additional studies; then at the end of that year, you sit a range of GCSE exams. If the year goes well, you have the option to move onto A Levels or to move onto study or employment elsewhere.

 

You will work on key subjects such as English, Maths and Science – so that you can secure the passes you need and build a stronger academic profile. Alongside this, you develop the habits required for success on A Level or other "level 3" courses: organisation, resilience, and consistent independent study. By the end of the year, the aim is clear: you are ready to move on. Most students progress to A Levels or other Level 3 courses, while others move into vocational pathways, training, or employment. To get there, you will need to show improving grades, strong attendance, and clear commitment throughout the year.

 

This programme is for you if you need to improve your GCSE profile before progressing, but already have at least one Grade 4 in a key GCSE subject area (English, Maths or Science) and a range of grade 3s elsewhere. It may also be suitable if you have studied abroad, or at home, or taken a non-conventional route through education. It is important here to emphasise that we will need to work with you to establish that you have a potential for success in formal GCSE exams after one year's study.

 

Each year a number of students will apply to the AFP programme directly, because it is clear that they will not, for some reason, be able to sit a full range of GCSE courses. Others will join the programme once exam results are published, switching from an A Level programme because some factor has hindered their progress at GCSE, and they need one more year to move matters forward, but it's important to note that this option is not available in every circumstance.