A Level/BTEC/T Level? The difference explained

At Cronton Sixth Form College we have a wide variety of A Level, vocational and T Level qualifications for you to choose from. If you are unsure what route is best for you to study, this page explains the difference to help you make the right choice.

Mixed Programmes

As part of our A Level programme, we offer some options to mix vocational and A level subjects, you will find these subjects listed in the A Level courses list as ‘Extended Certificates’. On our A Level programme you can study ONE of these Extended Certificates alongside 2 A Level subjects. 

But first, let us explain some things that are the same, they all:

• Offer UCAS points and are accepted by universities
• Are recognised internationally by employers
• Have access to the same outstanding student support, enrichment and quality of teaching at the college
• Require a high level of commitment to attendance at college and individual study

	A Level Programme	Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma	T Levels (Technical Qualifications)
Entry requirements for Cronton Sixth Form College	A minimum of three Grade 5’s plus two Grade 4’s at GCSE, including a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and maths.       Please see course information for individual entry requirements for each A level.	A minimum of five 9-4 Grades at GCSE, including a minimum grade 4 in English Language.       Please see course information for Individual subjects that also ask for grade 4 in Maths and a Grade 4 in specific subjects.	A minimum of five or more GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4. Some individual T Level subjects require higher grades including a grade 5 in English, Maths, and a 55 in Science. Please see the course information for individual subject requirements.
How many subjects will I study?	You will choose 3 separate A level subjects to study over two years. (Students can choose only one Level 3 Extended Certificate alongside two A Levels)	Specialise in 1 Career Area You will specialise in one vocational area and learn everything within your chosen specialism.	Specialise in 1 Career Area You will specialise in one area and learn everything within your chosen specialism.
How will I learn on the course?	Emphasis on academic classroom-based sessions with some practical elements.	Emphasis on practical studio/workshop sessions supported by theory classes.	You will experience a mixture of classroom and on-the-job learning. (Your T Level qualification will also include approximately 45 days of industry placement).
How will I be assessed?	Exams at the end of your two-year course. Certain subjects may have some coursework.	Coursework, practical assessments and exams On a BTEC Extended Diploma, you will be working towards coursework portfolios from the moment you start on the course, with all assignments, practical assessments and exams contributing to your final grades.	Coursework, exams, and other similar methods, varying slightly based on the course you are taking.
How is it graded?	A grade from A*-E for each A level subject You will get a grade for each of your A level subjects at the end of your two year course.	Three grades of Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* At the end of a BTEC you will be given three grades which will include Pass, Merit or Distinction. Usually written as PPP, MPP, MMP, DDM, etc.	On successful completion of your T Level qualification, you will be awarded a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* grade.
What can I progress on to?	Each A level grade will give you UCAS points for university	The three grades awarded are equivalent to an A level grade and awarded the same UCAS points.     A final grade of DDD is equivalent to achieving 3 grade A’s at A-level and attracts the same UCAS points for university. It is a popular and successful route into higher education. A BTEC also makes you very employable as it gives you the practical skills to go straight into the workplace.	You can use UCAS points to apply to university or another type of higher education. You can also use your T Level to do a related higher level apprenticeship or to get a job.

Before you make the final decision on a course you will be given an advice and guidance interview where our Admissions Tutors will ensure that the course is right for you and will meet your future goals and aspirations.

Progression and UCAS Points

Students wishing to progress to university must apply through UCAS. University courses will all have entry requirements which amount to a number of UCAS points. Further information can be accessed through www.ucas.com.
To work out your UCAS points you can use the table below:

• A level students: Add up the A level grade for each individual A level you have achieved.
• BTEC students: Simply look at the line which represents the combination of passes, merits or distinctions you have achieved to see the total number of points.

A Level Qualifications (remember to add all your subjects together)	BTEC	UCAS Points
A level Grades	L3 Extended Diploma Grades
	D*D*D*	168
	D*D*D	160
	D*DD	152
	DDD	144
	DDM	128
	DMM	112
	MMM	96
	MMP	80
	MPP	64
	PPP	48
A*		56
A		48
B		40
C		32
D		24
E		16