Alternatives to A Levels at Swindon College

Deciding what to do after your GCSEs can be a huge dilemma. You might think that A-levels are your only choice, or that getting lower GCSE results than expected mean you can’t continue with further education; but there are plenty of options out there and, regardless of what you get in your GCSEs, you can still continue to learn and gain further qualifications.

Option One: Vocational Qualifications

If you don’t get the grades to continue on to A-levels or fancy doing something a little more vocational, then there are plenty of other qualifications you can look into. NVQs and BTECs are all work-related qualifications that offer an alternative to A-levels.

BTECs have been around for over 20 years and are widely recognised by employers. BTEC Nationals are a Level 3 qualification recommended for those who have achieved at least four A*-C grades in their GCSEs. They are a great option if you want to study something that focuses on workplace skills. They’re also ideal if you prefer to be assessed through coursework rather than exams.

If BTECs are not for you and you want to learn how to do practical, work-related tasks, then a NVQ might be the answer. NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification and it’s a competence-based qualification. You can do one as part of an apprenticeship, alongside a part-time job or here at college in tandem with completing a work placement. You can do NVQs in areas such as health and social care, supporting learning in schools, childcare, hairdressing, beauty, construction, catering and business administration.

Option Two:  Apprenticeships

Advanced Apprenticeships are great if you want to start working straight after your GCSEs and gain some work-related qualifications. You will work for an employer and earn a salary whilst receiving on-the-job and off-the-job training by attending college for at least 1 day a week.

Apprenticeships are split into two types: an Intermediate Apprenticeship which results in a level 2 qualification and an Advanced Apprenticeship which results in a level 3 qualification being accomplished.

After the apprenticeships ends, many employers offer their apprentices a full-time job with the company, or you can look to gain employment with another company or progress to a Higher Apprenticeship.

Option three: Retake your GCSEs

If you didn’t get good grades in English and Maths at GCSE (i.e. below a grade C) don’t be disheartened. You can retake them whilst while completing a course of further education or as part of an apprenticeship.  Maths and English are a key requirement for most employers so it is important that we help and guide you to achieve the grades required.