Progression Year
If your GCSE results don't meet the entry requirements for A Levels, level 3 Applied Generals or T Levels, you can still join us by taking a Progression Year. Most of our Progression Year students continue onto level 3 study while some go onto apprenticeships or employment.
Entry Requirements
In GCSE English Language and Maths, you will need a minimum of a grade 3 in one and a grade 2 in the other plus some GCSEs at grade 3 or 4.
Work Skills
As part of the course, you will study a Work Skills qualification. The skills you develop will make you more employable and are also useful for further study. These include teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, resilience, organisation, self-awareness, and leadership.
Progression Year Programme
Alongside GCSE English and Maths, you can choose three of the subjects below:
Support
Throughout the year you will receive support and guidance to help you with your studies and your progress towards level 3 study, an apprenticeship or employment. You will have access to the Careers Service, Study Centre and Guidance Support Team who will provide advice and encourage you to achieve.
Next Steps
Many students find that the year gives them thinking space and helps them to decide what they want to do in the future. On successful completion you can move onto the next stage of study at the college, find an apprenticeship or go into employment. Your Guidance Support Tutor will explore all of your options with you and help you decide what's right for you.
Case Study
Kelsey Austwick is a Paramedic working for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service. She started at college on the Progression Year following some disappointing GCSE results. She took Health & Social Care alongside Science and English GCSEs. The Progression Year now offers more choice allowing you to take three subjects rather than one.
"The support I received at college was immense and is the reason that I am where I am today. Without it, I really wouldn't be in such a well-paid job that I love."
On completing the Progression Year, Kelsey continued onto level 3 Health & Social Care and then went to Teesside University to study for a degree in Paramedic Practice.
"Don't be afraid to take a Progression Year. It's what I did and I'm so much better for it. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do when I left school at 16. I thought I wanted to be a primary school teacher, but during my Progression Year and onwards I changed my career pathway."
Kelsey now works as the Lead Clinician on a double-crewed ambulance. She enjoys the variety of the role as well as working with multidisciplinary teams such as the Police or Fire Service.
"My college life was amazing. I was given freedom, support and encouragement as well as information from the careers team on how to get where I needed to be. I was given the push I always needed at college and I really owe S6F for doing that. If it wasn't for all of the fantastic staff at college, I wouldn't be where I am today."
I've really enjoyed taking the Progression Year. It's helped me to consider my future prospects and I've learned loads of study skills to help me on level 3 study next year
Thank you to all my teachers for supporting me throughout this year. See you next year for level 3!
I really have enjoyed my time and made friends with lots of new people.
This year will go so fast. Stick it out, it will inspire you to think more about your future.
