A-Level Courses

A-Levels at Cardinal Newman College

At Cardinal Newman College, we are proud to be recognised as one of the leading A-Level colleges in Lancashire, offering students in Preston and beyond the opportunity to study in a supportive and inspiring environment. Every year, hundreds of young people join us to begin their A-Level journey, choosing from over 30 subjects that open doors to university, apprenticeships and future careers.

Whether you want to continue with subjects you studied at school, such as Maths, English or History, or explore something new like Psychology, Sociology or Law, we have an exciting range of courses designed to help you reach your goals.

What are A-Levels?

A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are a two-year programme designed for students aged 16–19. They are one of the most widely recognised qualifications in the UK and are often required for university entry.

At Cardinal Newman College in Preston, students usually select three or four A-Level subjects based on their interests, skills and future aspirations. Some of our creative subjects include a coursework element, whilst most are assessed through examinations, giving you a balanced and varied way to demonstrate your abilities.

What A-Level subjects are available?

We offer one of the largest ranges of A-Levels in Lancashire, with over 30 courses to choose from. This ensures every student can find a combination that matches their ambitions.

Some of the subject areas include:

• Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Humanities – History, Geography, Politics, Law
• Arts – Fine Art, Drama, Music, Textiles, Digital Photography
• Modern Languages – French, German, Spanish
• Mathematics – Maths, Further Maths, Core Maths, Statistics
• Social Sciences – Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Philosophy

You can also combine A-Levels with BTECs, giving you even more flexibility in how you study.

Our full list of A-Level courses can be found below:

• Accounting

• Ancient History

• Biology

• Business Studies

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Core Maths

• Dance

• Digital Photography

• Drama and Theatre Studies

• Economics

• English Combined

• English Language

• English Literature

• Ethics, Philosophy and Religion

• Film Studies

• Fine Art

• French

• Further Maths

• Geography

• German

• Graphics

• Law

• Maths

• Media Studies

• Modern History

• Music

• Philosophy

• Physical Education

• Physics

• Politics

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Spanish

• Statistics

• Textiles

Entry requirements for A-Levels

The general requirement for studying A-Levels at Cardinal Newman is five GCSEs at grade 5 or above. Some subjects may ask for specific grades in related areas, so it’s important to check the course details.

If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we’ll discuss alternative options with you on GCSE Results Day. Our team will work with you to find a suitable pathway that supports your progression.

What are the benefits of studying A-Levels?

Studying any A-Level in Preston at Cardinal Newman allows you to:

• Develop valuable skills such as research, analysis and communication
• Gain qualifications recognised across the UK and beyond
• Build confidence for higher education or employment
• Access a wide choice of subjects and study combinations

These skills and experiences will benefit you in every step of your future, whether you continue into higher education or choose to enter the workplace.

Life after A-Levels

Completing your A-Levels in Lancashire opens up a world of opportunities. Many of our students progress to top universities across the UK, whilst others explore higher or degree apprenticeships that combine academic study with practical work experience.

You might also choose to enter the workforce directly or pursue shorter qualifications such as Higher National Certificates or Diplomas before moving on to a degree. Whatever your next step, your A-Levels provide the foundation for long-term success.

Why choose Cardinal Newman College?

Cardinal Newman is consistently recognised as one of the top-performing sixth form colleges in the country. In February 2023, we were rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, reflecting the high standards of teaching, support and achievement across our courses.

By choosing to study your A-Levels in Preston, you’ll benefit from:

• Expert teaching in specialist subject areas
• Excellent progression rates to university, apprenticeships and careers
• A welcoming college community with outstanding student support
• A central Preston location, easily accessible across Lancashire

How to apply

Applying to Cardinal Newman College is simple. The process is completed online, where you will be guided through the steps to submit your details, predicted grades and course choices.

To begin your application, visit our Apply page and start your journey toward an exciting and rewarding future with us.