Are you likely to achieve over 5 A-A*’s at GCSE level this year?

Have you already passed some GCSEs in Year 10?

Then this may be the group for you!

The College is keen to ensure that all students are stretched and challenged and that the teaching and support is appropriate to their particular needs. Experience suggests that the most able students, those achieving mainly grade As and A*s at GCSE, who are likely to be achieving the top grades at A level, benefit from a specialist programme of coaching, enrichment activities and support – this is provided through what we call the Russell Group. A number of the top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and a number of degree programmes, operate their own entrance exams, for which specific coaching is provided. Students are tutored by a member of staff with vast experience of assisting students obtain places at other top universities such as Manchester, Durham, Leeds, LSE, Nottingham and others. Specific coaching will be provided to ensure that students have every opportunity of achieving at the very highest levels. Students likely to achieve at least 6 grade As at GCSE should indicate their interest in this programme on their application form.

An additional benefit of being part of the Russell Group is the opportunity to gain an additional qualification which recognises and accredits the work and enrichment activities you will be doing throughout the year. The AQA Bacc is a qualification in its own right and is valued and recognised by universities. It also provides up to 130 additional points towards your university application, which is the same points as an A grade!

The AQA Bacc award recognises the subjects you study at A level, as well any recreational activity and enrichment activity you undertake as well as the value of work experience, which can even be your paid employment, you will complete an extended project, supervised by a senior manager, and then awarded at a Pass, Merit or Distinction level. Universities can then recognise these wider skills and your personal development at College.

Many of the 'traditional' universities recognise these wider skills, especially when you are applying for subjects, which get many thousands of applicants, such as medicine, dentistry, law and English. It may just give you the edge you need!