Applications - CLF Post 16

Course Options

At CLF Post 16 we offer a wide range of course options to suit your own individual needs. These include the established A levels courses, and BTEC and Cambridge Technical options, as well as Specialised Vocational Pathways. We believe that this approach allows you to make the decision which is right for you, allowing you to build the foundations for your own future.

For students interested in Dance, we offer an Urban Dance course which allows students to study for one or two years and gain the equivalent of one or two A-Levels.

Our A-Z of courses

CLF P16 – Application Guidance

Subject Blocks

Admissions

We have four main study programmes that our students embark upon. The specific course level route options and entry requirements for the specific route can be found below.

A Level Study.Students study three main A level subjects and can also study a supporting subject 1 year subject such as Core Maths or Extended project. In some cases students may study 4 A levels where there is high prior attainment and the additional subject supports a student’s destination progression. Additional requirements for each individual subject, are outlined on the course pages.
Academic/Vocational Study. Students study three subjects, which are a combination of academic (A level) and vocational subjects (BTEC/Cam Tech). Additional requirements for each individual subject, are outlined on the course pages.
Specialised Vocational – Level 3.Students may choice to focus on a specific full time vocational area. There a number of options routes depending on prior grades (see course route below). This is studied alongside GCSE English and/or Maths (if required). Many of those students on the Level 3 qualifications go on to achieve the equivalent of either two or three A level qualifications, giving them the opportunity to apply to university if they wish or a higher level apprenticeship.
Specialised Transition – Level 2. Students that have not yet achieved the grades necessary to study the options outlined above, instead embark on a programme of full time study of one of our Level 2 qualifications, alongside GCSE English and/or Maths (if required). This allows for transition to Level 3 courses or apprenticeships.

Course Level Routes Explained

A Level Study Route – Level 3

A Levels are a traditional form of study to acquire level 3 qualifications. The entry requirements for the A Level route is a minimum of 6 GCSE at grades 6,6,5,5,4,4 with a level 4 in both Maths and English. For most subjects, you will need to get a minimum of a Grade 6 at GCSE to study that subject at A Level. The A level suite is usually delivered over 2 years, with examinations at the end, with A level students usually choose 3 separate course subjects. In some cases, more academic and higher attaining pupils who could cope with the additional workload may choose to add on a 4th A level subject or a supporting course such as Core Maths or EPQ. In addition, students with the ability to speak another language may also choose Community Languages as a 4th A level in their native tongue, which recognises this experience.

Vocational Course Route – Level 3

A full range of Vocational Courses – BTEC and Cambridge Technical awards – are also offered within the Post 16 curriculum. Some students favour this style of learning as, whilst it is also a 2-year linear course, a large proportion of the end grade is based on modular assessments and only a small proportion based on a written examination at the end of course.

Vocational courses can also be combined with A Level courses, where you study a combination of 3 subjects, such as Applied Science BTEC, alongside Geography and Business Studies A Levels.

The entry requirements for the Vocational route is a minimum of 6 GCSE at grades 5,5,5,4,4,4 with a minimum level 4 in both Maths and English.

Specialised Vocational Routes – Level 3

When you reach Post 16 education, you may decide you want to specialise is one particular subject area, rather than study a range of subjects. At CLF Post 16, we offer a suite of specialised options at Level 3 – which are equivalent of 2 or 3 A Levels.

Specialised routes include Health and Social Care and Business Studies

There are three routes within this depending on prior attainment

3 A level equivalent – entry requirements minimum of 5 x GCSE grade 4 plus either English or Math GCSE at grade 4.
2 A level equivalent + additional linked qualification – entry requirements minimum of 5 x GCSE grade 4 plus either English or Math GCSE at grade 4.
2 A level equivalent – entry requirements minimum of 4 x GCSE grade 4 plus both English and Maths GCSE at grade 2 or above

Specialised Transitional Route - Level 2

At CLF Post 16, we recognise that some students do not meet the required GCSE grades to start a level 3 courses. We offer Level 2 courses (equivalent of 4 GCSEs) that will allow students to transition to a level 3 course. Students will study the specialism alongside resits in GCSE Maths, English and Science.

The entry requirements minimum of 4 x GCSE grade 2 or above. However students not achieving this will be considered on meeting with admissions team.

ESOL – Level 1

Admissions Policy

The CLF Admissions Policy is available here

Additional Needs

Our centre has specialists and equipment to cater for, and support, students with additional needs. Our buildings are contemporary and have been built to be inclusive. We are able to provide support for students who experience difficulty with study as well as for those who are physically disabled.

Our students benefit from specialist support, where possible, from within the academies in the Cabot Learning Federation and from our Post 16 Special Educational Needs Coordinator. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to raise any specific needs during application meetings. Our staff will work with you to assess the extent to which we can meet these needs and the support that we can offer you.

Our SEND policy can be accessed here