A Levels and Pre-A Levels
Still the most popular route to get into university in the UK; get the UCAS points you need to apply with our exciting new STEP, STRIVE, STRETCH programme.
Our A Level Centres provide an environment where everyone can reach their potential. A comprehensive and challenging curriculum fosters motivation and encourages success, with an interactive and creative approach to learning.
A Levels are versatile, internationally-recognised qualifications that are highly valued by employers and can help you gain entry to any university in the country. All A Levels, no matter the subject, will help you improve your communication skills and prove that you are capable of high-level academic work. So, if you haven’t decided yet on a career or further study, A Levels can help you keep your options open. During your time with us, we’ll also help you to pursue additional activities, both to broaden your skills and prepare yourself for life after college. Some students take up internships during the summer.
Every year, hundreds of our students go on to study higher-level programmes at almost 100 top universities across the UK and abroad. Recently this has included 18 of the world-class Russell Group’s 24 universities, such as University of Oxford, Newcastle University and King’s College, London.
Our A Level subjects will enable you to progress with your future career. When you complete your programmes, you can go on to further study at university or college, progress directly onto employment, or undertake an apprenticeship.
You can select three subjects from our wide selection of options: 3D Architectural Design, Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Geography, Graphic Design, Health and Social Care (AAQ), History, Human Biology (AAQ), Law, Maths, Media, Photography, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Sport (National Extended Certificate). We also offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as an additional option.
Discover our Space Pathway—a thrilling new programme that takes learning to the next level by blending rigorous academics with hands-on experience in one of the UK's most exciting industries. This innovative pathway combines A Levels in Physics and Maths with an AAQ Extended Certificate in Engineering, plus the chance to undertake an Extended Project Qualification, where you can apply your knowledge to real-world challenges.
Alternatively, if you’ve a particular interest in science, law and criminal justice, why not consider a forensic science route? With rapid advancements in science and technology, this path offers many exciting opportunities.
Forensic science applies scientific methods and principles to support legal decision-making in criminal and civil cases. Studying subjects relevant to this field helps students build critical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills—valuable in any career path. Pursuing higher education could lead to careers in areas such as forensic or crime-scene science, biology, chemistry, or forensic psychology.
You’ll select three subjects, including one science from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Criminology, Photography, Sociology, Law, Human Biology AAQ.
In September 2024, we introduced a 3-stage A Level pathway. Learners can progress to A Levels straight from their GCSEs or boost their grades with our STEP, STRIVE, STRETCH Programme with the ultimate aim of achieving their A Level goals.
We understand that there are many reasons why some students don’t achieve the GCSE grades that they hoped for. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve the results that they are capable of and successfully progress to their chosen pathway.
Students can choose from a broad range of A Level subjects and GCSE programmes that are designed to support the development of academic and personal skills to allow learners to step-up to the next level of study.
All of our pathways are underpinned by regular and varied employer engagement opportunities and experiences, achieved through partnership arrangements with local universities and employers.
STEP (GCSE) – especially for students wishing to retake GCSEs, with grades of mostly 3s. You can choose from two pathways to suit your interests and aspirations and progress to employment, an apprenticeship, or a range of courses, including A Levels. Full-time, one-year programme.
- Our STEM pathway consists of English, Maths, Combined Science, and Statistics
- Our STEP Communications pathway consists of English, English Literature, Maths, Citizenship, Business
- We also have a STEP-UP programme, consisting of four GCSEs: Maths, English, Media, Photography. This is suitable for learners requiring a little more support
Full-time, one-year programme.
STRIVE (GCSE Plus) – a new entry point for students with 5 GCSE grade 4s including English and maths. It is an opportunity to boost grades before A Levels or other level 3 courses It will comprise of mostly GCSEs at higher tier level, with the additional opportunity to experience Level 3 study with an AS Level. This course will equip learners with the academic skills and attributes required for success on a full A Level pathway, T Levels, or other higher-level study.
“To hear ‘this course was designed for students in exactly your situation’ was such a boost. Ellie wants to keep her options open by doing A-levels and now has a clear path forward on a course that does not compromise her needs. The way you laid out how the different options would work and what would fit Ellie best was wonderful, and my wife and I would like to thank you for your advice.” (parent)
- Our STRIVE STEM pathway consists of English, Maths, Combined Science, and Level 3 Core Maths
- Our Communications pathway consists of English, Maths, Psychology or Photography, Sociology, and AS Film Studies.
Full-time, one-year programme
STRETCH (A Level) – our A Level Programme for students with a minimum of 5 GCSE grade 5s, plus individual subject criteria. A broad range of options are available at each campus. Full-time, two-year programme.
Apply now and choose your subjects later! You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn more before making your final selections. Simply apply for A Levels (full-time) to secure your place. Subject choices will be finalised on receiving your GCSE results.
Why Activate Learning?
- Last year our students went on to study at 11 of the 24 Russell Group universities, including the University of Oxford and King's College London.
- We have close links with leading universities, including Southampton Solent, Reading, Oxford Brookes, Warwick, Newcastle, and King’s College, London.
- Activate Learning’s A Level programme is designed to maintain high academic standards while providing a purposeful learning environment, with an interactive and creative approach to learning.
- We believe in developing the whole person. Students will be encouraged to expand their skills with additional activities, such as joining the Learner Voice network, taking on summer internships and participating in student trips. We will help with UCAS applications, ensuring they are as strong as possible, impressing university admissions teams with evidence of an academically-able, well-rounded, independent individual.
- Our A Level Centres are inclusive communities which promote and celebrate diversity, where differences are respected and individuals valued. Students work collaboratively in state-of-the-art facilities and designated areas, allowing them to create positive and respectful relationships with each other that help them to thrive. The Student Leadership Team works with faculty teams to drive initiatives, provide student mentoring, and act as ambassadors.
- Students enhance their analytical thinking skills by participating in seminar-style learning, similar to that of universities. Through small group discussions, students can solve questions and develop problem-solving abilities. This approach improves their study skills and provides a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Industry partnerships
A Level students at Activate Learning benefit from our strong links with leading universities, such as the University of Reading, Oxford Brookes University, the University of Winchester and Southampton Solent University
In autumn each year, second year A Level students take part in UCAS Takeover Week, attending workshops run by universities on subjects such as personal statements and student finance. Each college also has a higher education fair, with over 40 university exhibitors on campus.
In addition to university links, employers such as Penningtons Manches, a leading law firm, provide legal masterclasses for A Level students.
Key A Level programme features
- Valued by employers and universities
- Can be a good way of keeping your options open
- Study in a dedicated sixth form centre
- Supportive environment with close links to universities and employers
- Most courses include examinations and coursework
- Study three A Levels over two years
Industry partnerships
Amina, A LevelsRead my storyCollege has taught me a lot, not just from the academic side, but a lot of personal growth as well. It’s taught me how to deal with different situations and how to be more aware of my surroundings.
