We aim to make it as simple as possible for your loved ones to make the transition after their GCSEs. We’re here to help you make sense of the information you’ll encounter, so you can be sure you’ve got the answers when they’ve got questions.
Applying for a course is taking the first step towards their future at Burnley College.
Our online application process will take them through the steps they need to create their own personal profile and welcome them to college.
1. Visit burnley.ac.uk
2. Search for the course and hit the “Apply Now” button
3. Create their own profile on our application system
4. Keep track of application via the Application Hub.
A Levels follow a theory-based curriculum, are typically assessed through exams and are most closely related in style to the GCSEs your young person has already completed.
These last for two years and allow your young person to combine their favourite subjects to create their own personalised A Level pathway.
Most people choose three subjects, although those who want to study Mathematics or are considering a career in Medicine may take four.
Although not the only route, A Levels are often seen as a stepping stone between school and university.
It’s important that your young person considers their A Level choices carefully, to ensure that their subjects complement each other and suit their future plans.
Our A Levels are combined with an exciting and innovative range of enrichment activities from foreign trips to guest speakers, also giving your young person the opportunity to expand their CV and feed their curiosity.
Vocational courses offer coursework-based learning, hands-on skills development and fewer exams than their academic alternatives.
These are highly practical and closely relate to specific job roles or employment sectors.
Depending on their GCSE grades and the industry your young person chooses to go in to, there are multiple levels of study available – lasting between one and four years.
This pathway offers them the opportunity for exciting trips, activities and visits alongside their studies, paving the way to their dream career or progression to university or an apprenticeship.
It’s unusual to study additional qualifications alongside a vocational course, as these typically require the same amount of commitment as three A Levels. However, if your young person is passionate about taking extra qualifications, talk to us and we will do our best to accommodate their needs.
Our vocational courses cover a wide range of topics, from Art and Design to Construction – often further broken down into specific disciplines, like Graphic Communication or Plastering.
T Levels combine classroom learning with significant
real-world practical work experience.
These newer qualifications are unique in offering students a guaranteed industry work placement of at least 315 hours (about 45 days) that allows them to put their skills and knowledge into practice.
T Levels last for two years and have been developed with the needs of employers and businesses in mind to ensure that your young person can progress to university, an apprenticeship or successful career in industry.
Our T Levels include an ever expanding range of subject areas like Business, Construction, Computing & Digital, Early Years & Education, Engineering or Health & Science.
As one of the North West’s leading Apprenticeship training providers, Themis at Burnley College delivers expert-led training in a wide range of industries.
Our apprentices spend approximately 80% of their time at work, and 20% of their time receiving additional training through classroom sessions at Burnley College.
An apprenticeship may be the ideal route for your young person if they prefer practical, on-the-job learning and already have a specific career or industry in mind.
There are several benefits to choosing an apprenticeship for their next steps:
At the end of their apprenticeship, they will receive a nationally-recognised qualification – which could lead to further education and even degree-level study in the future.
Apprentices can either find their own employer or use our Live Vacancies page to apply for available roles.
At Burnley College we want to make sure you have all the information you need to start thinking about your future. So our amazing School Liaison Team have created an unrivalled online resource to help you with your choices after GCSEs.
Plus you can ask them anything! They’ll have the answers you need.
Whatever your dreams are for the future – we’re here to help.
We understand your priority is ensuring your young person makes informed decisions about their future career which can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Our dedicated team of expert advisors are here to support and guide each Student on their journey.
Every Student has the opportunity to receive personalised, 1-1 careers information, advice, and guidance.
Our subject tutors and industry experts provide ongoing support throughout their courses, ensuring they receive the comprehensive assistance they need to succeed.
Students can access a range of support services, including:
How your young person can contact the Careers Team
Visit the Careers Hub in the College Atrium
We are currently on our seasonal break.
We will return on Monday 5 January 2026.
