Entry Requirements

Students at The Isle of Wight College study Programmes of Study. Programmes of Study at all levels are flexible in their length and content and will be tailored to best suit your individual needs, qualifications and experience.

Entry requirements can vary by course and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your application so that we can ensure that you are offered a place on the most appropriate course.

For example, if you do not have the required English and Maths grades for the course you apply for, you may be enrolled on an extended study programme to enable you to achieve the grades required for progression.

The following list offers a guide as to what you might be expected to achieve to gain entry on to a particular level of a course.

Entry level programmes

No formal entry qualifications but subject to approval from the Foundation Learning Assessment Team.

Levels 1 programmes

Minimum of three GCSEs grade 2/E or equivalent including English Language.

Level 2 programmes

Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3/D or above including Maths and English language

Art and Design courses may also require a relevant qualification in a creative subject.

Progressing students may require a minimum of Level 1 qualification in your chosen subject at Merit or above and English language and Maths at Level 1.

Level 3 programmes

Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4/C or above normally including Maths and English language; grade 4/C or above in a relevant subject qualification is sometimes required

For progressing students, a minimum of Level 2 course in your chosen subject at Merit or above and English language and Maths at level 2. Progressing students without English or Maths at GCSE grade 4/C will be required to study these as part of their programme of study.

Applications which do not meet the stated entry criteria in full may be approved as an exceptional entry, based on a review by the Assistant Principal.

Progressing to each level of study

Once you have successfully completed your course, you may be able to progress to the next level, following a satisfactory interview with a tutor. If you are finishing your Level 3 course you will be offered advice and guidance from our Career Advisers on how to apply for a place at University through UCAS, or how to apply for a job or an Apprenticeship.

Please refer to the appropriate course information page/leaflet for any specialist entry criteria.