26th February 2026
Your guide to choosing the right path at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College.
Choosing what to study after GCSEs can feel like a big decision but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At St Brendan’s, you can shape your journey in a way that suits your interests, confidence, and future goals. The college offers a range of Level 3 options including A Levels, BTECs, AAQs, blended study routes, and an Access to Level 3 programme, giving you lots of flexible ways to succeed.
Below, you’ll find a simple breakdown of each route so you can get a feel for what might work best for you.
Your Study Options at St Brendan’s
A Levels
A Levels are a great choice if you enjoy academic study and want to dive deeper into subjects you’re passionate about. They’re recognised everywhere and are ideal if you’re thinking about university later on. St Brendan’s offers a wide range of A Level subjects, from sciences and maths to arts and humanities.
Blended Study (A Levels + Vocational Courses)
If you like the idea of mixing academic learning with more practical, coursework‑based study, you can choose a blended pathway. Lots of students often create their own mix - for example, two A Levels and one BTEC. It’s a brilliant way to shape a timetable that fits your strengths.
Vocational Courses (BTECs & AAQs)
If you prefer learning through doing BTECs and AAQs might be more up your street as they focus more on real-world tasks, projects, and hands on skills. These courses are perfect if you feel more confident with coursework and continuous assessment rather than final exams. They also link closely to future careers such as business, sport, health, creative subjects and more.
Access to Level 3
If you’re keen to study at Level 3 but want a bit more time to build your confidence or boost your GCSE grades, the Access to Level 3 programme could be the perfect starting point. It’s a one‑year course that strengthens your skills and helps you get ready for A Levels or vocational study. After completing the programme, many students stay at St Brendan’s for their full Level 3 courses.
Whys Choose A levels?
You enjoy academic learning
A Levels are ideal if you like exploring ideas, writing essays, doing research, or thinking in depth about a topic. They help build strong academic skills that prepare you well for higher education.
You’re thinking about university
Lots of university courses, especially competitive ones, list A Levels as their preferred qualifications. St Brendan’s students go on to a wide variety of universities each year, including Russell Group institutions, so it’s a strong route if uni is on your plan.
You’re comfortable with exams
Most A Levels are assessed at the end of the two years, so if you’re confident revising and performing under timed conditions, this structure may suit you well.
Why Choose Vocational Qualifications (BTEC or AAQ)?
You prefer coursework or steady progress
Vocational courses include regular assignments and projects, which helps you stay on track and get feedback throughout the year. For many students, this feels more manageable and less stressful than relying on final exams.
You want a pathway linked to your future career
These qualifications are designed with real industries in mind. Whether you’re drawn to sport, health and social care, creative subjects, performing arts, or business, vocational study helps you build skills that employers and universities recognise.
You enjoy practical learning
If you learn best by being hands on through projects, tasks, work‑related scenarios and applied skills, vocational study can help you grow your confidence and experience in a practical way.
Things to Think About When Choosing Your Courses
Your future goals
Think about what you might want to do next - university, a degree apprenticeship, or moving into work. Some university courses need specific A Levels, while many others welcome vocational qualifications. St Brendan’s students progress into lots of different routes, including higher education.
If you’re unsure, that’s totally normal - the college team is there to help you explore your options.
How subjects fit together
Some subjects complement each other really well, and certain combinations can balance your workload. The college’s study routes allow you to combine a mix of subjects that suit you, whether you prefer exams, coursework, or a bit of both.
What you enjoy
This is your timetable, your routine, your experience. Choose subjects you genuinely enjoy and feel motivated to study for two years. Feeling confident and engaged makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got Options and We’re Here to Help
At St Brendan’s, you’re not expected to have everything figured out. What matters is finding a path that feels right for you and one that plays to your strengths, sparks your interest, and supports your future goals.
With A Levels, vocational courses, blended routes and the Access to Level 3 programme, you’ll find a place where you can grow, explore new opportunities, and build your next steps with confidence. St Brendan’s offers a welcoming community, dedicated staff, and a campus designed to help every student thrive
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