A Levels

Why study A Levels at Bury College?

The A Level study programme at Bury College is ideal for students who:

Have enjoyed academic teaching and learning in schools and are comfortable and successful with examinations as the main form of assessment.
Enjoy private study, researching topics, reading around subjects and can work independently.
Want to study traditional subjects such as Geography, History, Mathematics and English to a higher level.
Are interested in a career where A Levels are the preferred entry route, for example Medicine, Veterinary Science or Law.

At Bury College, you will study your chosen subjects in a supportive environment, with expert teaching, dedicated facilities and access to enrichment opportunities to help you progress to university or your chosen career.

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View all of our A Level courses here

How to apply

To apply for A Level courses, please click the button below. For general enquiries, please email admissions@burycollege.ac.uk or contact 0161 280 8200.

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A Level Entry Requirements

To study A Levels at Bury College you will need six GCSEs at grade 9-4, to include:

A minimum of three GCSEs at grade 4 or higher
A minimum of three GCSEs at grade 5 or higher
These should include a minimum of at least a grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics*

In addition, some subjects will demand higher grades e.g. Further Mathematics.

*For some subjects a grade 5 is preferable, although there may be some flexibility dependent upon your overall GCSE profile.

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What is an A Level?

An A Level study programme involves studying three (or in some cases four) subjects over two years. The majority of these subjects are traditional A Levels, assessed through examination at the end of the second year. Only a few of these subjects have a coursework-based component.

What is an Applied A Level?

Some subjects are more applied (Criminology, Financial Studies, Law, Applied Science, Engineering and Sport), meaning a higher vocational-based content and assessment process. As part of your A Level study programme, you may include one of these applied subjects to support your progression and career aim.

Computing students working in an IT suite

V Levels

V Levels are new Level 3 qualifications announced by the Government, with the current plan for them to be available from September 2027.

Each V Level is equivalent to an A Level, so you could combine V Levels and A Levels as part of your study programme. They are designed to be more applied than traditional A Levels, helping you develop practical, career-focused skills in areas such as digital, finance and education.

Find out more about V Levels

A Level Student Experience

At Bury College, A Level students benefit from a focused two-year programme, studying three subjects (four by exception) with the option to include one Applied A Level. Learning is supported through group and one-to-one tutorials, a wide-ranging enrichment programme and careers guidance, including university visits, work placements and voluntary opportunities.

Visit our student experience page

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How much choice do I have?

We offer 28 A Level qualifications across a wide range of subject areas, including applied general qualifications equivalent to an A Level.

Independent study

Students are taught essential independent study skills and are encouraged to complete around 18 hours of private study per week.

Enrichment

Enrichment activities are a chance to meet new people and enjoy new experiences, helping you gain a broad range of skills and enhance your university applications and CV. Opportunities include:

Chess Club
Dance, Drama and Singing Workshops
Debating Society
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Pride Club
Student Ambassador Scheme
A wide range of sports including Badminton, Cricket, Football, Fitness Training, Nerf, Netball, Volleyball and Table Tennis

See more about our enrichment opportunities

Student Support

Bury College is renowned for supporting students. As an A Level student you will benefit from:

Weekly meetings with your Personal Tutor
Individual meetings with your Personal Tutor six times during the academic year
Support from our pastoral and wellbeing teams for issues such as stress, anxiety, personal relationships, gender identity, and general health and wellbeing

Financial support is available for eligible students, including Learner Support Funds, Bursaries and Awards. All financial support is subject to criteria. Students are encouraged to contact Student Services as early as possible.

See more about student support