The Sixth Form Academy at Neath College is a vibrant and dynamic place to study with state-of-the-art facilities, including our award-winning Sixth Form Academy hub. The Sixth Form Academy provides our students with a supportive, nurturing and academic environment to ensure that they are challenged to achieve their full potential. The Sixth Form Academy is committed to providing opportunities for students to develop their skills alongside their main course of study. Therefore, the majority of our students will complete the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. We will prepare you for university life by encouraging independent learning within a sixth form environment.
One of the many benefits of studying at the Academy is the wide range of subject choices. We offer almost A Level subjects plus vocational courses, GCSEs, Access to Higher Education courses and the PGCE qualification. Our A Level courses are delivered by experienced staff who are subject experts and achieve consistently high pass rates year after year. The support they offer to students is second to none, with high standards continuously maintained. The majority of our students go on to further study and progress to higher education, with many attending some of the top universities in the UK, including the Russell Group and Oxbridge.
Making the right choice for AS/A Level study can be the key to success. Therefore, Sixth Form Academy staff will provide students with comprehensive advice and guidance regarding combinations of AS Level subjects. We will help students to choose subjects that they enjoy and have the motivation to learn, and that will allow them to progress along their chosen career path.
Choosing Your Course
Picking the right course is simple. With support from our subject experts, you’ll choose a study programme that fits your goals. Most students take three or four subjects in year one.
A Levels
A Levels are studied over two years. You’ll start with AS in year one, then complete A2 in year two to gain the full qualification. Assessment varies by subject and may include exams, coursework, or a mix of both. After A Levels, you can progress to university, higher apprenticeships or employment. High-achieving students may be invited to join our Gifted and Talented Excellence (GATE) programme.
BTEC Extended Diploma
This is a two-year course equivalent to three A Levels. It’s mainly coursework-based, with around 40% assessed through exams and controlled tasks. It leads to the same progression routes as A Levels, including university, apprenticeships or employment.
GCSE Courses
We offer GCSEs in Biology, Mathematics and English.
Entry Requirements
For A Levels, you’ll need at least six GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, with higher grades required for some subjects. For example, Psychology and Law require a grade B/6 in English, and Science subjects require a grade B/6 in Higher Tier Science. Please see the individual course details for specifics.
For a BTEC Extended Diploma, you’ll need at least five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above.
Course Equivalents
BTEC Extended Diploma equals three A Levels.
BTEC Extended Certificate equals one A Level.
