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Our Four Pathways

Choosing your next step should not be about fitting into a single definition of success. We recognise that students have different strengths, ambitions and ways of learning. 

That is why we offer four equally valued pathways, each designed around where you want to go next. Whether your ambition is university, a degree apprenticeship, employment or further training, we will help you choose the programme that gives you the strongest possible route forward. 

There is no best pathway. There is only the pathway that is best for you. 

You do not need to decide everything on your own - our Sixth Form Team will help you consider: 

  • Your predicted GCSE grades  
  • Your English and Maths results  
  • Your strongest subjects  
  • The way you prefer to learn  
  • Your career and university ambitions  
  • The balance of examinations, coursework and practical learning that suits you  
  • Any additional support you may need  

Together, we will build a programme that is ambitious, realistic and designed around your future. 

The Academic pathway is designed for students who enjoy traditional subject study and are preparing for university or other forms of higher education. 

Students usually study three A Levels, with some choosing an additional qualification such as the Extended Project Qualification. The pathway involves independent study, wider reading, written work and formal examinations. 

It is particularly suited to students who are academically confident, enjoy exploring ideas in depth and are ready for the demands of advanced study. 

This pathway may be right for you if you enjoy academic study, perform well in examinations and are considering university, including highly competitive courses and institutions. 

Typical programme 
  • Three A Levels
  • Independent study  
  • Wider reading and research  
  • Academic mentoring with a dedicated Sixth Form Tutor  
  • KES Enrich  
  • Leadership or volunteering  
  • University and careers preparation  

Possible destination: History degree, Law degree, teaching, journalism, public service or a degree apprenticeship. 

The Professional pathway is designed for students who enjoy applied learning and want to study qualifications closely connected to particular industries and careers. 

Students follow Level 3 Applied or Technical qualifications, combining classroom learning with assignments, practical tasks, projects and employer-focused experiences. 

These qualifications can lead to university, higher or degree apprenticeships, further training or employment. 

This pathway may be right for you if you prefer coursework and practical projects, enjoy applying your learning to real situations and have an interest in a particular career sector. 

Typical programme 
  • Applied subject lessons
  • Coursework workshops  
  • Practical and employer-related projects  
  • Independent study  
  • Academic mentoring  
  • KES Enrich  
  • Careers and progression activities  

Possible destination: Nursing, social work, business management, a higher apprenticeship or employment within the health, care or business sectors. 

The Hybrid pathway gives students the opportunity to combine Academic and Professional qualifications within one personalised programme. 

For example, a student might study Psychology alongside Business, or an A Level alongside an Applied Level 3 qualification. This allows students to keep their options open while choosing subjects that reflect both their strengths and future ambitions. 

Hybrid students can progress to university, degree apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or employment. 

This pathway may be right for you if you want the balance of academic and applied learning, prefer a mixture of examinations and coursework, or need a flexible subject combination for your future plans. 

Typical programme 
  • A personalised mixture of A Levels and Level 3 qualifications 
  • A balance of examinations and coursework 
  • Independent study 
  • Academic mentoring 
  • Careers guidance 
  • KES Enrich
  • Leadership 
  • Degree apprenticeship and university preparation  

Possible destination: Marketing, human resources, psychology, business management, communications or a degree apprenticeship. 

Fusion+ is a highly personalised two-year programme for students who would benefit from a different route into advanced study, apprenticeships or employment. 

It can combine Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, alongside GCSE English and/or Maths where required. Students also develop confidence, independence and employability through leadership, careers education and practical experiences. 

Fusion+ is not about limiting ambition. It is about creating the right conditions for students to make progress, achieve strong outcomes and move successfully to their next destination. 

This pathway may be right for you if you would benefit from smaller steps, additional support, a more personalised programme or further time to strengthen your English and Maths while progressing towards higher-level study. 

Typical programme 
  • A personalised combination of Level 2 and Level 3 study 
  • GCSE English and/or Maths where required
  • Supported independent study   
  • Academic and pastoral mentoring 
  • Leadership 
  • Employability development  
  • Careers education 
  • Work-related learning 
  • KES Enrich 

Possible destination: Progression to further Level 3 study, an apprenticeship, employment or further specialist training. 

Compare Our Pathways

  ACADEMIC PROFESSIONAL HYBRID FUSION+
MAIN QUALIFICATION TYPE A Levels Applied or Technical Level 3 A Levels and Applied Level 3 Level 2 and Level 3
LEARNING STYLE Mainly academic Mainly applied Academic and applied Highly personalised
ASSESSMENT Mostly examinations Cousework, projects and some examinations A mixture Varies by programme
TYPICAL DESTINATION University University, apprenticeships or employment University or apprenticeships Further study, apprenticeships or employment
ENGLISH AND MATHS Support where needed Support where needed Support where needed Integrated where required
ACADEMIC MENTORING Yes Yes Yes Yes
LEADERSHIP AND ENRICHMENT Yes Yes Yes Yes

Entry guidance will vary by subject and programme. Final pathways are agreed following discussion with the Sixth Form Team.