Rainhill Sixth Form Centre offers an extensive range of level three courses and prides itself on working with students to ensure that programmes of study match their aspirations and plans for the future. The majority of students progress on to Further / Higher Education.

We work closely with the Chamber of Commerce, local employers and Higher Education Institutions to ensure we are able to provide accurate and appropriate information, advice and guidance.

Programmes are regularly reviewed and we are pro-active and responsive to the needs and demands of the local students and employers.

From September 2010, New BTEC courses are to be introduced in Sport, IT, Medical and Forensic Science, Popular Music and Catering.

We are also the lead provider in St Helens for the Creative & Media Diploma (Level 3) which is equivalent to the accumulation of three and a half A levels.

GCSE Re-sits

Students that have not achieved a C grade GCSE in Maths or English will be expected to retake these subjects until they are successful.  Most, if not all, University courses require these qualifications. Many careers also stipulate these as a minimum requirement.

Level three study places more emphasis on independent study and research skills and all the qualifications on offer will ensure students have many of the essential transferable skills that are required in the workplace.

AS/A Levels

AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications focus on traditional study skills. They normally take two years to complete and there is a choice of a wide range of academic subjects. AS and A levels are one of the main routes into higher education, although they are also useful if students wish to go straight into a job.  Entry on to these courses differs so check subject specific qualifications needed.

Applied A Levels

Applied A levels are designed to give students the opportunity to study ‘applied’ (work-related) subjects. They qualify students for entry to university in the same way as traditional A Levels.

BTEC

BTEC’s are designed as specialist qualifications for students who have a clear view of their future career or are seeking progression to higher education. They are equivalent to A levels and are valued by universities, further education colleges and employers alike. They are career related courses with a specific vocational context and can be combined with both Applied and AS / A levels.

Advanced Diploma

The new Advanced Diploma is designed to help students make decisions about their future while keeping their options open, and students can use it as a stepping stone to higher education, training and employment. The Diploma route has been designed to offer students a combination of classroom learning coupled with a creative and practical approach. It is recognised as an equivalent to three and a half A levels.