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.
At City College Norwich, we offer a variety of different qualification and learning routes for you to consider, and we can support you to make the right choice for you.
Which route is right for me at City College Norwich?
A Levels
A Levels are a popular choice for those aiming for university. They provide in-depth study in specific subjects, with students 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
Our 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 engineering, hospitality and catering, performing arts and construction. 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.
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.
V Levels
V Levels are new vocational qualifications, equivalent to one A Level, covering the core knowledge and skills of an employment sector. They can be taken alongside other V Levels or A Levels to create a broad pathway to higher level study. New for September 2027, we will be offering V Levels in Digital, Education and Early Years, and Finance and Accounting.
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.
Other routes to consider at City College Norwich
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
Through this route 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. Our Academic Progression programme, available at City College Norwich, 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 Inclusive Learning 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
At City College Norwich you can join the Aspire Skills Academy and choose from two pathways where you can 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, and more information is available from our Advice and Guidance team.
English and Maths for Speakers of Other Languages (EMSOL)
Designed for young people whose first language is not English, our EMSOL courses help develop your speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar skills before progressing onto your chosen pathway. These courses are available at City College Norwich.
Many of these study options are also available at our other nearby campuses - Easton College and Paston Sixth Form College.
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!