A Levels and Pre-A Levels
Still the most popular route to get into university in the UK; get the UCAS points you need to apply with our exciting new route to success.
Our A Level Centres provide an environment where everyone can reach their potential. A comprehensive and challenging curriculum fosters motivation and encourages success, with an interactive and creative approach to learning.
From September 2024, we will be introducing a 3-stage A Level pathway, to provide learners with the opportunity to progress from their GCSEs and achieve their goals.
We understand that there are many reasons why some students don’t achieve the GCSE grades that they hoped for. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve the results that they are capable of and successfully progress to their chosen pathway.
Students can choose from a broad range of A Level subjects, with multiple options for Applied/Vocational style study available, and GCSE programmes that are designed to support the development of academic and personal skills to allow learners to step-up to the next level of study.
All of our pathways are underpinned by regular and varied employer engagement opportunities and experiences, achieved through partnership arrangements with local universities and employers.
STEP (GCSE) – especially for students wishing to retake GCSEs, with grades of mostly 3s. You can choose from several pathways to suit your interests and aspirations and progress to employment, an apprenticeship, or a range of courses, including A Levels. Full-time, one-year programme.
STRIVE (GCSE Plus) – a new entry point for students with grades of mostly 4s. An opportunity to boost grades before A Levels or other level 3 courses It will comprise of mostly GCSEs at higher tier level, with the additional opportunity to experience Level 3 study with an AS Level or Applied equivalent. This course will equip learners with the academic skills and attributes required for success on a full A Level pathway, T Levels, or other higher-level study. Full-time, one-year programme
STRETCH (A Level) – our A Level Programme for students with a minimum of 5 GCSE grade 5s, plus individual subject criteria. A broad range of options are available at each campus. Full-time, two-year programme.
What will I study on an A Level programme ?
We have worked with universities to organise our subjects into career pathways, which are 'template plans' to help you accelerate your entry to university or the career of your choice.
Each pathway provides a selection of A Level choices, helping you gain the UCAS points you need for your university application.
Why Activate Learning?
- Last year our students went on to study at 11 of the 24 Russell Group universities, including the University of Oxford and King's College London.
- We have close links with leading universities, including Southampton Solent, Reading, Oxford Brookes, Warwick, Newcastle, and King’s College, London.
- Activate Learning’s A Level programme is designed to maintain high academic standards while providing a purposeful learning environment, with an interactive and creative approach to learning.
- We believe in developing the whole person. Students will be encouraged to expand their skills with additional activities, such as joining the Learner Voice network, taking on summer internships and participating in student trips. We will help with UCAS applications, ensuring they are as strong as possible, impressing university admissions teams with evidence of an academically-able, well-rounded, independent individual.
- Our A Level Centres are inclusive communities which promote and celebrate diversity, where differences are respected and individuals valued. Students work collaboratively in state-of-the-art facilities and designated areas, allowing them to create positive and respectful relationships with each other that help them to thrive. The Student Leadership Team works with faculty teams to drive initiatives, provide student mentoring, and act as ambassadors.
- Students enhance their analytical thinking skills by participating in seminar-style learning, similar to that of universities. Through small group discussions, students can solve questions and develop problem-solving abilities. This approach improves their study skills and provides a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Industry partnerships
A Level students at Activate Learning benefit from our strong links with leading universities, such as the University of Reading, Oxford Brookes University, the University of Winchester and Southampton Solent University
In autumn each year, second year A Level students take part in UCAS Takeover Week, attending workshops run by universities on subjects such as personal statements and student finance. Each college also has a higher education fair, with over 40 university exhibitors on campus.
In addition to university links, employers such as Penningtons Manches, a leading law firm, provide legal masterclasses for A Level students.
Key A Level programme features
- Valued by employers and universities
- Can be a good way of keeping your options open
- Study in a dedicated sixth form centre
- Supportive environment with close links to universities and employers
- Most courses include examinations and coursework
- Study three A Levels over two years
Industry partnerships
Saffron, A LevelsRead my storyI really enjoy coming to college, it’s so different to school and the staff are really supportive and encouraging which helps to build our confidence in our abilities.