Academic courses and qualifications

A levels, GCSEs and Access courses are academic qualifications. They focus on subjects you'll know from school such as English, Maths and Science, as well as new subjects such as Film Studies, Law, Psychology, Accountancy and Photography.

A levels

If you want to study A levels, Reading College offers you one of the largest Sixth Form Centres in Berkshire with wide range of courses and a team of expert lecturers always on hand to support you.

A levels are one of the options open to you after your GCSEs. AS level is the first year of the two-year A level course. You will normally be asked to choose four different AS subjects to study, three of which you would then be able to continue to A2 level in the second year.

Many students choose to study A levels because they know they want to go to university or college to study for a Foundation or Honours Degree. However, A levels are also a useful career qualification as they show employers you are capable of study at an advanced level. Alongside your A levels you will also work towards other qualifications such as GCSE resits and the AQA Baccalaureate which can boost your employability or support your university application. In addition there is a wide range of enrichment activities in which you can participate.

Please see our Sixth Form Centre pages for further info and a list of courses.

GCSEs

If you sat GCSEs and the results were not what you expected, we can offer you the chance to re-sit English Language, Mathematics and Biology. This is appropriate if you already have GCSEs at Grade D and want to improve these to Cs in order to continue studying, perhaps for progression to university.

Access courses

Access to HE courses are for students aged 19 and over who are looking for an entry route to university level study. All students must commit to a full programme of study over one year and it is not possible to study individual subjects. There are eleven pathways to choose from. See a list of Access pathway courses here.

Vocational courses

First Diplomas, National Qualifications and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs): are more practical courses which are particularly good if you're looking for career-focused qualifications. Lots of the teaching is through project work and many include a work placement. Vocational courses are available at all levels from Entry to Level 3 (equivalent to A levels). The higher the level of vocational course, the more emphasis there is on developing higher level specialist or technical skills, knowledge and demonstrating the ability to work independently, applying learning to complex workplace situations. All vocational courses include elements of English and Maths to ensure students develop the skills employers are looking for.

Apprenticeships

These are ideal if you want to combine a career with study. You can come to college part-time while you work. Apprenticeships provide a structured approach to training for eligible young people, both school leavers or those already in a job.

An Apprenticeship ensures trainees have the skills directly relevant to the company's business requirements.

All apprentices must be in full-time employment.