Our Courses
We offer a wide range of A Level and vocational qualifications. Many students also complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and take part in a vibrant enrichment programme. The core of your studies is therefore your choice of courses.
Overview
Students studying at Braintree Sixth Form choose from a wide range of subjects and courses. Our aim is to offer an academic curriculum which students can personalise to their own interests, strengths and aspirations. Most students will study three courses, with a number taking four, as the core of their curriculum. A Levels and Level 3 vocational courses are offered, and students are able to combine the two in their programmes of study.
Advanced (A) Level qualifications
The General Certificate of Education ‘Advanced’ Level, or more commonly, the A Level, is a school leaving qualification offered by educational bodies in the United Kingdom. Courses focus on academic subjects. Students choose the courses which best suit their interests and abilities and which offer them the appropriate opportunities for progression. Initial course choices are made via the online application form and all applicants will have the opportunity to book a guidance meeting to discuss their applications and selected options.
Vocational Level 3 qualifications
These courses offer an alternative to A Level education at sixth form level and the ‘level 3’ in the qualification means that they are seen as equivalent to A levels and can offer a route on to higher education and university. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate and OCR National programmes offer a different mode of delivery and assessment and involve more emphasis on continuous assessment.
Enrichment
In addition to their A level studies, all students will follow a programme of enrichment which takes place weekly on a Wednesday afternoon and includes opportunities for a wide range of extracurricular activities including volunteering and sports.
EPQ
Students have the opportunity to complete the Extended Project Qualification alongside their studies. Regarded as equivalent to half an A level, this independent project focuses on research and planning skills, and leads to the production of an artefact or substantial essay, accompanied by a reflective logbook.
Personal Development
Each student has a personal tutor with whom they will meet regularly on a one-to-one basis for support and guidance. In addition, a programme of personal development runs throughout the sixth form, focusing on aspects of careers preparation, the development of entrepreneurial skills and important skills for learning and the workplace.
Courses by Subject and Entry Criteria
A Level Courses:
Art - Grade 5 in Art. If Art has not been taken, a portfolio must be submitted
Biology - Grade 6/6 in Combined Science or grade 6 in Biology. Grade 6 in Maths
Business Studies - Grade 5 in Business Studies if taken. Grade 5 Maths if no Business GCSE
Chemistry - Grade 6/6 in Combined Science or grade 6 in Chemistry. Grade 6 in Maths
Computer Science - Grade 6 in Computer Science. Grade 6 in Maths
Product Design - Grade 5 in Design Technology subject
Drama & Theatre Studies - Grade 5 in Drama
Economics - Grade 6 in Maths
English Literature - Grade 6 in English Language and Literature
French - Grade 6 in French
Geography - Grade 5 in Geography. Grade 5 in English Language or Literature
History - Grade 6 in History. If not taken grade 6 in English Language and Humanities subject
Law - Grade 6 in English Language or English Literature and a Humanities subject
Maths - Grade 7 in Maths
Further Maths - Grade 8 in Maths
Media Studies - Grade 5 in Media. If not taken, grade 5 in English Language or English Literature
Physics - Grade 6/6 in Combined Science or grade 6 in Physics. Grade 6 in Maths
Physical Education - Grade 6 in PE and at least 5/5 in Combined Science
Politics - Grade 6 in English Language, English Literature or a Humanities subject
Psychology - Grade 5 in a Science and Maths (5-5 in Combined Science). Grade 5 in English Language, English Literature or a Humanities subject
Sociology - Grade 5 in Sociology. If not taken, grade 5 in English Language , English Literature or a Humanities subject
Spanish - Grade 6 in Spanish
Vocational Courses (equivalent to 1 A Level)
- Criminology - Grade 5 in English Language, English Literature and a Humanities subject
- Level 3 Dance Teaching Assistant Diploma - Experience and interest in Dance
- Health & Social Care - Grade 5/4 in Combined Science
- Sport - Grade 5 in PE or grade 5/4 in Combined Science
A Level & Vocational Courses - Subject Entry Criteria_2025 You can find more information about individual A Level courses here.
Vocational Courses:
- BTEC Sport – five GCSEs or equivalent grades 4-9
- Health & Social Care – five GCSEs or equivalent grades 4-9
- Criminology – five GCSEs or equivalent grades 4-9
These Level 3 qualifications carry full UCAS tariff points and are accepted by universities and employers across the country. However you are advised to check the exact entry requirement for a specific university, or higher education course.
You can find out more about our vocational courses here.
Additional Courses:
- Extended Project Qualification - Organisational skills, motivation and commitment are essential as students are responsible for meeting all deadlines and managing the reading, write up and final presentation of their findings.
- Enrichment
- L3 Dance Teaching Assistant Diploma - Some experience in dance, acting or musical theatre. Ideally taken some dance examinations.
- Personal Development Programme
You can find out more about our additional courses here.
What Our Students Say:
A Level Sciences:
Studying Biology and Chemistry at A Level has been challenging but so rewarding. The teaching is fantastic and we do lots of practicals in the science labs. It’s definitely helped prepare me for university.
Year 13 Science student
Law:
Law has been my favourite subject. The lessons are challenging but fascinating — especially when we discuss real-life cases.
Year 12 Law student
Vocational Learning:
I’ve really enjoyed the vocational route. It’s hands-on, focused, and the coursework style suits the way I learn.
Year 13 student
EPQ:
The EPQ helped me stand out on my UCAS application and gave me a real taste of university-style learning.
Year 13 EPQ student
Enrichment:
Enrichment has been a brilliant part of Sixth Form. I’ve taken part in mentoring, organised charity events, and joined a debate group.
Year 12 student
