Your Study Options
We understand how important it is to find the best route for you after leaving school. It is important to think about the
subjects you enjoy, how you like to learn and where you want to progress to after college.
There are four main options you can choose from after your GCSEs, with different qualifications available to study at each of our campuses at City College Norwich including our Sixth Form Centre, Easton College and Paston College.
Which route is right for me?
A Levels
A Levels are a popular choice for those aiming for university. They provide in-depth study in specific subjects, with students typically choosing three subjects to make up a full-time programme over two years. Each A Level is equivalent to a Level 3 qualification and provides UCAS points. A Levels are assessed by exams.
Our Sixth Form Centre provides a mature learning environment that is very different to being at school and offers excellent progression to university, employment and apprenticeships.
Career-focused courses
Technical and vocational qualifications such as BTECs offer a blend of classroom study and practical learning. You will choose one subject to study full time, and each subject focuses on a specific job or employment area, such as health and social care, engineering or hairdressing. The level you start on will depend on the grades you achieve at school. While there may be some written exams, these courses also involve practical assessments, coursework, and work-based evidence.
Courses are available from Entry Level through to Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels) and will provide you with the skills and experiences of work needed for your future career.
T Levels
T Levels blend academic study with practical learning, with a big emphasis on providing in-depth industry experience. They include an industry placement of around 45 days, providing valuable experience in the workplace where employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry. They are equivalent in size
to three A Levels, and you will be assessed through a combination of exams and employer-set projects. Many T Level students progress to university or onto higher level apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a job where you will earn, combining work with training and study. You will
usually spend one day a week at college and the rest with your employer. Apprenticeships start at Level 2 and go all the way up to degree-level, so you can start straight from school or later in your learning journey. You
will need to find an employer to take you on as an apprentice, with many actively hiring, it’s a simple step in the process.
Apprenticeships are available in hundreds of industries and can help you kick-start your career with many leading to full-time employment.
Other routes to consider
For some students who are not yet at the stage to access wider college courses or have barriers to learning or employment, alternative routes are also available. These can support you to move into wider college courses, apprenticeships and employment.
Academic Progression
Where you will study new or additional GCSEs to help you develop your skills and gain the grades you need to progress to your chosen pathway the following year. This programme can also support you to retake your English and maths GCSEs if you didn’t quite achieve the grades needed.
Inclusive Learning and MINT
Designed to help you plan for the future and progress onto your chosen next step. Our courses are divided into four pathways to help you settle into college and prepare for living in your community, going out to
work or progressing onto further college courses.
Aspire Skills Academy
Choose from two pathways where you can either experience taster sessions in your chosen vocational area and prepare to progress to further study, or develop your employability skills and prepare for the world of work. These courses have several enrolment points throughout the year, for more information speak to our Advice and Guidance team.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
To help develop your speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar skills before progressing onto your chosen pathway.
Need help deciding what to apply for? Our Advice and Guidance team can talk through all the options with you. Get in touch by emailing information@ccn.ac.uk or call 01603 773773. You can also speak to them at one of our Open Events!