A Levels

Post-GCSE Options

Having completed the required number of GCSE subjects there are several choices for you and your child to consider.

• No education – This is possible but can jeopardise your child’s career later on
• A Levels - An A level consists of AS (advanced subsidiary) and A2 units. In the first year (usually year 12), your child can choose to study up to five subjects and sit AS level exams
• A diploma – An option for your child would be the BTEC National Certificate in Sport (Performance & Excellence). It is a two year course equivalent to two A2 levels usually consisting of 12 of the 18 National Diploma modules.

A Levels

At the end of your first year your child has two options for each subject: 

• Take an AS level only and gain a recognised qualification, or
• Continue for a second year and go for the full A level.

Either way, the good news is:

• AS levels allow your child to mix a number of subjects, keeping their options open a bit longer. 
• If you're worried about your child’s future after the first year - maybe they want a year out, can't face more exams or think a different type of qualification is the way forward for them – they still have something to show for the work, rather than feeling they have wasted a year. 
• If your child stays on into A2 year, they have control over the subjects they study. They can pay more attention to the subjects that they enjoy and need for the future.

Please note that A level PE cannot be taken as a distance learning subject.

Information on the National Curriculum.

Tennis Apprenticeship

If your child is doing the Advanced Apprenticeship Scholarship Scheme in Sporting Excellence (AASE) then two A level subjects or a BTEC are a minimum.