BTECs and T Levels

We offer a fantastic range of alternatives to A Levels.

Would you like to combine a BTEC alongside your A Levels? Maybe you would like to specialise in one field studying a BTEC Extended Diploma or T Level? Either way you'll still have the opportunity to gain the same UCAS points as A Levels.

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Explore the subjects available to find the right course for you

Extended Diplomas and T Levels are the equivalent of three A Levels and are vocational qualifications in one specific subject area.

Combine a BTEC A Level Equivalent with two A Levels as part of a mixed study programme.

What to expect when studying a BTEC or T-Level?

BTECs & T-Levels are vocational courses and more orientated towards careers and working in a particular job sector. They include more course work and practical assessments and less exams. Some BTECs also include a work placement element which gives you valuable employment skills and direct experience of working in your chosen sector. T-Levels include a valuable industry placement for a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) which is delivered in the workplace.

What can I do after my BTEC or T-Level?

Our outstanding results enable students to successfully secure places to study at prestigious universities across the country, with the majority of students securing places at their first choice. Popular destinations include the University of Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. We also have a number of students who progress on to highly competitive Higher Apprenticeship programmes with some of the UK’s top companies.

Whichever destination you choose, KGV will offer you the support and knowledge you need to succeed and form a strong foundation on which to build your future.

Meet our BTEC Students

Nathan Davenport, BTEC Business
The course has been brilliant for making new friends because of the practical aspects and I have always felt supported by the staff.

Rebecca Marron, BTEC Sport
The course has loads of different aspects to it which makes it really diverse and fun. I have always loved the practical side of the subject, but looking more into the biological and sports development elements has been fascinating.

Lidya Dundar, Creative Media A Level Equivalent
Media has always been my favourite subject, however it has been the teaching at KGV that has really shaped my future. With their support and passion for teaching, I am so proud of what I have achieved and now I can’t wait to go to university.

Jodi Watkinson, Health & Social Care A Level Equivalent
The facilities at KGV provide the perfect environment for you to learn new skills and achieve your goals. The staff have always encouraged me and offered lots of advice and guidance on routes that have led to full time employment.

Josh Thistlethwaite, IT A Level Equivalent
One of my favourite units was Upgrading and Installing Software. This involved looking in to different software options to put on to computers and then installing and testing them.

Daniel Hampton, Applied Science A Level Equivalent
If you enjoy practical based assessments and prefer coursework, then this is the best option for you. The labs have everything you need and the teachers are always giving me feedback on my work so that I can achieve my best possible grade.

We are often asked the following questions by our students...

What’s the difference between a BTEC A Level Equivalent and a BTEC Extended Diploma?

BTEC A Level Equivalent courses are Level 3 advanced level qualifications equivalent to one A Level (widely recognised and valued at universities across the country). Practical assessment features more predominantly throughout the course, compared to A Levels and you can expect fewer exams. You study one BTEC A Level Equivalent alongside two A Levels.

A BTEC Extended Diploma is a Level 3 vocational qualification that will give you both theory and hands on practical experience within an area of study and is equivalent to 3 A Levels. You choose one subject and study it for two years.

What are the entry requirements for BTECs?

BTEC A Level Equivalent courses require you to have 2 GCSEs at grade 5 or above and 3 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths or English.

For a BTEC Extended Diploma you’ll need to have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths or English.

Can I study a BTEC/T Level and A Levels?

KGV is one of the few providers locally that offers the ability to study A Levels and BTECs together. A mixed study programme allows you to choose three subjects from a combination of A Levels and BTEC A Level Equivalent Qualifications (two A Levels and one BTEC). This flexible programme means you can choose courses that match your strengths and interests.

If you choose to study a BTEC Extended Diploma or T Level, which is equivalent to three A Levels, you would be studying that one subject full-time, rather than a combination of subjects, so this cannot be combined with A Levels. The Extended Diploma combines theory and practical experience in one specific sector.

Do I need English and maths GCSE?

To qualify for a study programme at KGV you must achieve at least a pass (grade 4) in either GCSE Maths or English. However to progress to university or employment you will need to have passed both. If when you join us you don’t have both, we will enrol you on the relevant GCSE course alongside your full time study programme.

Can I change my BTEC subject choices?

If you’ve already applied and now you've changed your mind about the subjects or combination of subjects you want to study, contact our Admissions team and they will update your application. Don’t forget to check if there are any specific entry requirements for your chosen subjects.

What support do you offer?

To ensure that every student has the best chance of reaching their future potential, we offer a wealth of support, advice and guidance.

Careers Advice

We are committed to providing all our students with an outstanding level of careers education, information, advice and guidance. Career services include:

One to one appointments
Drop in and group information sessions delivered by Higher Education and Employment professionals
Employability workshops and application guidance sessions.

Whatever path you choose to take, our approachable and friendly staff have expertise in writing UCAS personal statements, CVs, cover letters and job applications and can provide you with professional and impartial advice to help guide you towards a successful career in your chosen field.

Progress Sessions

Our progress staff will support you during your time with us, to ensure you successfully complete your chosen programme of study. They’re here to give you guidance, challenge and encouragement, through monitoring your academic progress and attendance at all classes.

You will attend group sessions once a week with your progress staff, who will deliver a programme of work related life skills.
They also arrange 1:1 sessions with you to discuss your progress and will support and guide you with applications for university.

Learning Support

Our Learning Support team offer tailored support and guidance to ensure that every student has a positive and rewarding learning experience. Our Learning Support Team is made up of specialist Learning Support Tutors and Facilitators, who have a positive and proactive working relationship with all staff across the College. Our services include:

A Learning Support Centre fully equipped with specialist facilities for students including computer software programmes along with access to surface tablets which are available on loan.
Making individual exam arrangements for students where appropriate, dependent on identified need, evidence and application to the exam board.
We understand that happy students are successful students, and so if you ever have an issue with your course or a concern about your future, we are here to help.