As modern and forward-looking schools, Queen Ethelburga’s recognises that Sixth Form A-level study, or IB, may not provide every pupil with the ideal educational outcome. Career paths that will be better served by specific courses are particularly well catered for by Queen Ethelburga’s, and there can be few schools offering a wider, more flexible choice of Sixth Form studies.

At Queen Ethelburga’s, we are committed to providing courses that give each student an appropriate route to success. The new BTEC courses provide a more practical, real-world approach to learning and skills development alongside key theoretical background.

The BTEC national is a long-established qualification. Universities and employers value the BTEC national as providing a vocationally specialised preparation for courses at University or for employment. We offer four of the most popular BTEC courses which are capable of leading to well paid careers. BTEC Nationals have been included in the UCAS Tariff since the 2005. The 6-unit award at distinction carries the same number of points as an A level, grade A (120 points).

We now offer BTEC nationals in

• Business
• Popular Music and Music Technology
• Fashion
• Performing Arts

These courses can be combined with GCSE re-takes, A level, or an additional BTEC at Award level. The qualifications are taught in first class facilities, supported by excellent teachers. Additional enrichment, social and sporting activities are in abundance at the Collegiate and all students are encouraged to take part, to complement their studies and broaden their Collegiate experience.

Each student is assigned a learning mentor who will oversee individual learning, set challenging targets and give one to one support for coursework, revision and university or employment applications.