Palmer’s College offers different types of courses to suit students at three levels so it is important that you pick the right kind for you.

Level 3 Courses

We offer A-level, Applied A-level, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, BTEC National Diploma and Certificate
courses, New Diplomas and Business Technology courses. These level 3 courses run over two years.

A-levels & Applied A-levels (Level 3)

A-levels are two year courses, divided into two parts:
• AS or Advanced Subsidiary levels are studied in the first year
• A2s are taken in year two, which complete the A-level

Each part of the A-level is worth 50%.  Continuing to A2 depends on several factors. These include:

• whether you have passed the AS to justify continuing to A2
• good attendance and effort in your first year

If you want to follow an A-level programme you will normally study four AS levels in the first year and take forward three of these subjects in the next year for A2 completion.  Both AS results by themselves and A-level results (AS and
A2 combined) give you advanced qualifications and count towards university entry.  If you are already following an AS course at school, which you wish to continue to A2, make sure you let us know on your application form.
A few students may select five AS subjects in their first year.  To do so your average GCSE grade would need to be an A and you would need to have good reasons because of the heavy workload.

Entry criteria for any AS programme is a minimum offour Cs and two Bs at GCSE plus additional specific requirements for some AS subjects.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

While A-levels are a set of separate subjects, the IB Diploma is a subject package. It is a full alternative to A-levels. It is taught in well over 100 countries so it is welcomed as a high quality, impressive qualification by universities and employers all over the world.  You choose six subjects, including Maths, English and a foreign language. You can pick up a new language from scratch. You also study at least one Science and one Humanities course. Computing and Arts courses are also available. You study three subjects at a Higher Level (similar to A-levels) and three at a Standard Level (similar to AS). There are three extra components. The extended essay you write in your second year relates to one of your Higher subjects. An interesting course called ‘Theory of Knowledge’ supports all your other studies. You also undertake a project combining elements of voluntary service in the local community with creative and active work. With such a broad range of subjects and skills, you can see why universities and employers like it so much!
There are no exams until the end of the second year.  All subjects include a mixture of exams and practical or
coursework.

Entry criteria for the IB Diploma is five Bs at GCSE (including English, Maths and a Science). You also need a B in any subject you are taking to a Higher level. Finally, you will be given a special interview to review whether this course is for you.

BTEC National Diplomas & Certificates (Level 3)

These are highly regarded advanced level qualifications, which have a stronger vocational element to them than A- levels. All BTEC National courses run for two years. 

A BTEC National Diploma is equivalent to three A-levels.
A BTEC National Certificate is equivalent to two A-levels.

You can combine these with GCSEs. A suitably qualified student can combine these with A-levels and Applied A-levels to make up a total of four A-level equivalent courses.

BTEC Nationals are recognised qualifications for Higher Education and direct entry into employment.  BTEC courses are mainly assessed through assignments and coursework, not written exams. 

Entry criteria for BTEC National Diplomas and Certificates is four Cs at GCSE.

New Diplomas (Level 3)

New Diplomas are exciting and innovative new qualifications for 14-19 year olds. They have been created to provide a real alternative to more traditional education and combine both theory and practical learning.

We are now offering three New Diplomas in:
• Business, Administration & Finance
• Creative & Media
• Society, Health & Development

This qualification offers a mix of classroom learning, creative thinking and hands-on experience. Students on the New Diplomas will engage in live projects, briefs from industry contacts and enterprise-based assignments.  The Diplomas are highly recognised by employers and provide the ideal preparation for going onto university.

Entry criteria for New Diplomas is one B and five Cs at GCSE (including Maths and English).

Business Technology Courses (Level 3)

We offer two main secretarial courses – the ILEX Legal Secretaries Diploma and the PA/Private Secretaries Course,
which run over two years. Both these courses lead to qualifications which are highly regarded by employers. These courses can be combined with A-levels or GCSEs.

We also offer single, one-block, vocational skills-based courses which can be combined with a full A-level programme or BTEC National Diploma or Certificate.  These courses offer qualifications and skills which are recognised by employers.

Entry criteria for Business Technology Level 3 (3 or 2 block) courses is a minimum of four Cs (which must include English Language grade C).

Level 2 Courses

We offer a range of level 2 courses, predominantly BTEC First Diplomas.  These Level 2 courses run over one year.
BTEC First Diplomas (Level 2) BTEC First Diplomas are one year improver courses aimed to provide you with alternative routes to GCSEs and can lead onto further training and employment.

To take this type of course, you will probably have a mixture of C, D and E grades at GCSE and will have missed out
on the four Cs at GCSE. If you do not obtain a grade C in Maths or English, the College will expect you to re-sit these.
Progression to the next level will depend on how well you have worked on each course.

Entry criteria for BTEC First Diplomas is mainly Ds and Es at GCSE.

Level 1 Courses

Foundation Studies (Level 1)

We offer a Foundation Studies course for those students who feel that Palmer’s College is the right College for them and who need to take another year to be able to progress to the improver’s courses at level 2.

To take the Foundation Course you must be at one of the partner schools in Thurrock as it is only offered to a small
number of students and runs for one year.

No formal qualifications are required.