Not sure which of A-Levels, T-Levels or BTECs will be right for you?
All three options can lead you to Higher Education, degree apprenticeships, or directly into employment. We can help you decide what course will best meet your ambitions based on your GCSE grades, career goals and study preferences. Below you will find a brief summary of each type of qualification.
- A Levels
A‑Levels are a good choice for students who prefer academic learning and want to specialise in a small number of subjects they enjoy and fit their future career and university plans.
A Level courses include regular formal lessons, and you will spend time making your own detailed notes, carrying out homework projects using textbooks and online resources, and preparing for exams through practice papers and independent study. Students are expected to manage their own time, complete coursework to a high standard and build strong revision habits over the two years.
A‑Levels are suited to learners who are self-motivated, organised, and enjoy studying and writing, especially those considering university in the future. To succeed in A-Levels at SBUSixth you need to be motivated, confident in exam-based assessment and want to develop deep knowledge in your chosen options.
- Vocational courses - BTECs / V-Levels
BTECs are a great option for students who prefer practical, coursework-based approaches to learning. They are highly career-focused. At SBUSixth, our BTEC courses are related to major regional and national employment sectors and industries: Health, Engineering, Science, Business and Finance.
Study methods including completing projects, presentations, group work and assignments that build up over time instead of relying on final exams alone. Students will still need to be organised and meet deadlines as the assessments are continuous and applied.
BTECs are well suited to learners who enjoy hands-on tasks, working on projects, and seeing how their studies connect to future careers. This makes them a strong choice for young people who may be aiming for university, an apprenticeship, or moving directly into a specific career.
It is expected that BTEC qualifications will gradually be replaced with new 'V-Level' qualifications from 2027. The V stands for Vocational.
- T-Levels
T‑Levels are a good choice for students who want a mix of classroom learning and real workplace experience, helping them prepare directly for a specific career.
Study methods combine lessons and independent study with a significant industry placement (around 45 days), where students gain hands-on experience with an employer. In 2026, T-Level students at SBUSixth spent 3 weeks of their placement time working abroad in supervised groups, through the Turing scheme.
Assessment includes a mix of exams, coursework, and practical projects linked to real-life scenarios, so students develop both knowledge and skills. T‑Levels are well suited to motivated learners who have a clear interest in a particular sector, enjoy applying what they learn in practical settings, and are ready to take on the responsibility of a work placement. T Levels are therefore a strong option for those aiming to progress into skilled employment, apprenticeships or university study.
- What about the different Levels?
At SBUSixth, the majority of students join us at Level 3 (A Level and equivalent).
We also offer a Level 2 (Foundation Year) in each pathway, with English and/or Maths as necessary for each individual.
All our Level 3 courses are two years. The Level 2 Foundation Course is one year, and successful students can then join a Level 3 programme.
You do not need to worry about what Level to apply with us. All Year 11 applicants to SBUSixth are given a conditional offer for a course at Level 3 (see entry criteria here). If your GCSE results do come out below those needed for Level 3, we will give you a place on the Foundation year, or refer you to an alternative provider if necessary.
If you are currently in Year 12 and already have GCSE results, we will let you know what level we can offer you when you attend for an interview.
Still want to talk about the choices? Don’t worry - we will be pleased to discuss them and help you decide at our Open Events, Interviews or enrolment.