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Standard Entry Requirements
To study at High Pavement Sixth Form College, you need at least five GCSE’s, including English and Maths, at grade 4 or above. Our preference for entry is five GCSE’s, including English and Maths at grade 5 or above.

Subject-Specific Entry Requirements
Some subjects have higher entry requirements to ensure you can manage the course content. You can view these below:

Subject GCSE English Language GCSE Maths Other requirements Additional notes
Art and Design 4 or above 4 or above A Grade 4 or above in GCSE Art and Design or Textiles is required. At enrolment, applicants without the required GCSE in Art or Textiles will be required to bring a portfolio of their own work showing a range of pieces including observational drawing (from life not photos). Coursework makes up 60% of the final assessment.
Biology 4 or above 6 or above A grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology. Additional Science or Science Trilogy will be accepted. Students are most successful when they take this alongside another science and/or Maths. We do not accept GCSE Applied Science, GCSE Combined Science (Synergy) or BTEC Science.

Students need to complete the practical endorsement which comprises 12 required practicals in the laboratory – students can gain a pass/fail for this.
Business Studies 5 or above 5 or above If you have studied GCSE Business, you are required to have a grade 5 or above.
Chemistry 4 or above 6 or above Grade 6 or above in GCSE Chemistry. Additional Science or Science Trilogy will be accepted. Students are most successful when they take this alongside another science and/or Maths. We do not accept GCSE Applied Science, GCSE Combined Science (Synergy) or BTEC Science.

Students need to complete the practical endorsement which comprises 12 required practicals in the laboratory – students can gain a pass/fail for this.
Computer Science 5 or above 6 or above
Economics 5 or above 5 or above If you have studied GCSE Business or Economics, you are required to have a grade 5 or above.
English Language and Literature 5 or above 4 or above The NEA makes up 20% of the final assessment.
English Language 5 or above 4 or above The NEA makes up 20% of the final assessment.
English Literature 5 or above 4 or above The NEA makes up 20% of the final assessment.
Film Studies 5 or above 4 or above A grade 5 in an essay-based subject is preferable e.g. English Literature, History or RE The NEA makes up 30% of the final assessment.
Further Maths 4 or above 6 or above This subject must also be studied alongside A Level Maths and 2 other A Level subjects
Geography 5 or above 4 or above A grade 5 or above in GCSE Geography is required. It is an Ofqual requirement that all A level Geography students complete 4 days of fieldwork over the length of the course. There will be a cost for this that includes a residential trip. The NEA makes up 20% of the final assessment
Geology 5 or above 6 or above A grade 66 in GCSE Science double award or 66 in 2 separate sciences in GCSE triple science. It is an Ofqual requirement that all A level Geology students complete 4 days of fieldwork over the length of the course. There will be a cost for this that includes a residential trip. Students need to complete the practical endorsement which comprises 20 required practicals in the classroom and field – student can gain a pass/fail for this. As this is a science A level there is a minimum 10% Maths content hence the GCSE Maths requirement of a 6.
History 5 or above 4 or above Grade 4 or above in GCSE History An additional essay subject at Grade 5 or above is preferable.

The NEA makes up 20% of the final assessment.
Law 5 or above 4 or above A GCSE grade 5 or above in History/Religious Studies and English Literature is also required as this is an essay writing subject.
Maths 4 or above 6 or above
Media Studies 4 or above 4 or above The NEA makes up 30% of the final assessment.
Philosophy 6 or above 4 or above Applicants must have studied an additional essay writing subject at GCSE e.g. History or Religious Studies grade 5 or above.
Photography 4 or above 4 or above A grade 4 or above in GCSE Art and Design, Photography or Textiles is required. At enrolment, applicants without the required GCSE in Art, Photography or Textiles will be required to bring a portfolio of their own work. Coursework makes up 60% of the final assessment.
Physics 4 or above 6 or above A grade 6 or above in GCSE Physics or Science Trilogy. While it is not a requirement to take A-Level Maths alongside A-Level Physics, it is highly recommended. If not doing A-Level Maths, a discussion will be needed with a Physics teacher or a member of the careers team prior to enrolment. Students are most successful when they take this alongside another science and/or Maths. We do not accept GCSE Applied Science, GCSE Combined Science (Synergy) or BTEC Science.

Students need to complete the practical endorsement which comprises 12 required practicals in the laboratory – students can gain a pass/fail for this.
Politics 5 or above 4 or above Must have studied an additional essay writing subject at GCSE e.g. History or Religious Studies at grade 4 or above.
Psychology 5 or above 5 or above Must have GCSE Science at grade 5. We do not accept GCSE Psychology as a science subject.
Sociology 5 or above 4 or above Must have studied an additional essay writing subject at GCSE e.g. History or Religious Studies at grade 4 or above.
Sport (BTEC) 4 or above 4 or above If you have studied BTEC L2 Sport or GCSE Sport, you are required to have a merit/grade 4 or above. This is available as an A Level equivalent to be taken alongside 2 A level subjects.