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What are your choices after GCSEs?

At Orbital South Colleges, first and foremost, we believe that every child matters and therefore their education is paramount to us. Some students will get what they need from year 11 but some don’t; this is when the questions start.

What is there really for students post-16?

For students and parents leaving school, this is a daunting experience. Students do not always know what is available for them and a lot of parents may not be aware of changes in education since they left school. GCSEs are a Level 2 programme, so this gives you a starting point for what levels you could be looking for.

What we offer at ESC and how we can help

Vocational Courses

We offer a wide variety of Full-time courses for students who have just completed their GCSEs. These courses start at Level 1 and students can progress their studies according to their own pathway.

Students require 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English to be accepted onto a Level 3 course.

If a student does not meet the entry requirements, then we will look to place them on a lower level course and support them to re-sit GCSE Maths and English where applicable.

Please note: some courses such as Plumbing or Hair & Beauty, require you to take the Level 2 course first regardless of if you have enough for the Level 3. This is because you learn specific skills for those subject areas that are key to your learning.

GEMS

Our new programme for September 2024 is a GCSE re-sit programme. No other College in the area offers a full re-sit programme. This is perfect for students who did not get the grades they needed, struggled due to health reason or would like to improve on their GCSE grades.

Apprenticeships

Students can go straight into the world of work through an Apprenticeship. These are offered in a wide range of subject areas and students will be in College 1 day a week with 4 days working as an employee of a company. Students are reminded that they will be employed and therefore will sign an employment contract with whoever they work for. The College supports the apprentice with the education side and work with them to ensure they pass the assessments.

Our Apprenticeship Team are always on hand to discuss options and support applications.

Entry requirements are dependent on the course and the employee.

T Levels

T Levels have been with us for a few years now and the range of subjects is increasing each year. The courses allow students to follow a Level 3 study programme in College with the equivalent of 1 day a week in industry on work placement.

T Levels are great for students looking to mix work and education but not wanting to go into employment just yet.

A T Level is a Level 3 programme and requires 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and/or English to be accepted. A T Level is equivalent to 3 A Levels so students may gain UCAS points for applying to university.

Our range of courses and support does not stop there, we also offer:
 

• ESOL – English for students of foreign languages, from Entry Level 1 through to Level 1. After this, they can progress onto vocational studies with us.
• Skills for Life – Courses that support SEND students to develop independence and skills for the workplace including a Supported Internship.

As a Further Education College, we are able to support you to find your own pathway, wherever you want to go. If you want to apply, please visit www.esc.ac.uk/full-time/full-time-course-areas and if you have any questions, please call Client services on 01737 788444.