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a girl sitting on a ledge in a green classroom reading a book

INFORMATION FOR SIXTH FORM PARENTS AND CARERS

Coming to college offers many opportunities and it also marks the start of a more independent life in an adult environment.

Our Sixth Form gives our students the freedom to choose subjects that they not only enjoy but can also lay the groundwork for their future careers. Through this close collaboration, we support learners to ensure they achieve their full potential and are successful, both in their studies with us and beyond.

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During their time at college, students will have a lot of independent study time where they will be in charge of organising their own workload and staying on top of tasks. That’s why we encourage all parents and carers to help us support our learners and recognise that assistance is essential to their progress.

FAQs
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IMPORTANT UPDATES TO OUR SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM

From September 2025, Weston College will be returning to the AS Level structure in Year 1 of our A Level programmes.

This change reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering a high-quality academic experience that supports both achievement and personal growth. AS Levels are standalone qualifications completed at the end of Year 1, providing a recognised outcome for the first year of study. In Year 2, students will then continue with three subjects to full A Level.

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Why is this a positive step?

The return to AS Levels brings several key benefits for students:

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Greater academic rigour and structure – Regular assessment and clear milestones encourage stronger study habits and a focused work ethic from day one, helping students prepare for university-level learning.

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Recognised qualifications after one year – AS Levels are nationally recognised and provide a valuable benchmark of progress

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Increased subject flexibility – Students can begin with up to four subjects and, after completing their AS exams, choose the three they wish to continue with to full A Level

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Stronger university and career applications – Having formal AS results helps students reflect on their strengths and make more informed decisions about their next steps.

FAQs

AS Levels (Advanced Subsidiary Levels) are the first half of a full A Level qualification. They are completed at the end of Year 1 and are worth 40% of a full A Level.

We believe AS Levels offer a more flexible, supportive, and academically focused approach. They allow students to try a broader range of subjects, gain qualifications after Year 1, and make better-informed choices for their second year.

Students can choose four AS Level subjects in Year 1. At the end of that year, they'll take AS exams. In Year 2, they’ll continue with three of those subjects to full A Level.

Yes – and that’s a good thing. The return to AS Levels brings greater academic structure and accountability. The Year 1 exams mean students stay focused and build strong study habits early on. This added rigour helps develop essential skills for university and careers, and ensures students are better prepared for the full A Level in Year 2.

Yes – universities value AS Levels. They provide early evidence of academic progress and can strengthen UCAS applications by giving predicted grades a firmer foundation.

• Increased academic rigour and focus
• Lower pressure in final exams
• Ability to change direction after Year 1
• Early qualifications that build confidence
• Better preparation for university-style learning

No. While AS exams are separate qualifications, the final A Level grade (in the subjects continued in Year 2) will be based solely on the A Level exams taken at the end of Year 2. However, AS grades will help shape predicted grades and UCAS applications.

Generally, students are expected to continue with three of their original AS subjects into Year 2. It’s rare to switch to a completely new subject at that stage, but individual cases may be considered.

Yes – AS results are submitted as part of your application and can enhance your academic profile for universities and employers.

You’ll benefit from a more structured and academically challenging Year 1, where you can try out more subjects and reduce stress. Our team will guide you throughout the transition to ensure you make the most of the two-year programme.

If you’re now interested in taking a fourth AS subject in Year 1, we’d be happy to consider this. Please get in touch with the Admissions Team. We’ll review your request based on your academic profile and ensure the subject combination is manageable and right for you.

No – if you’re happy with your subject choices from your interview, there’s nothing you need to do. We’ll be moving you onto the AS model automatically, and your current subject choices will carry straight over.

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One Message, Different Voices

Take a look at this powerful film made by the staff of Weston College to show how important it is for everyone from different backgrounds to be included. The film shares heartfelt stories and interviews with a diverse group of staff, showing how accepting different identities and backgrounds can make a big difference. Its purpose is to encourage viewers to think about their own biases and work towards making our community more welcoming to all. We invite everyone, regardless of their background, to join us and be a part of our journey toward a more inclusive future.

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Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. In this workplace, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employee's ability to succeed.