How to Apply

Applying for a course is taking the first step toward their future with the Burnley College Family. After they apply they will be invited to take part in an interview. Priority will be given to all application forms received before 31 March.

Our online application process will take them through the steps they need to create their own personal profile, to arrange an interview and welcome them to the Burnley College Sixth Form Centre Family.

1. Visit old.burnleycollegedev.co.uk
2. Search for the course and hit the APPLY button
3. Create their own profile on our application system
4. They may be given the option to choose an interview date and time which suits them
5. Keep track of application and upcoming interview dates via the portal.

A Levels

A Levels are in-classroom learning and mainly exam-based qualifications which are most closely related in style to the GCSEs your young person has already completed.

Most Students will take 3 A Levels, although it is possible to take four (Mathematics and Further Mathematics alongside two other A Levels is one possibility.)

Although it is not the only route, A Levels are often seen as the step between school and university.

A Levels are more study-based and will usually see them concentrate on theory over practice of a subject, although this is not a hard and fast rule. It’s important you talk to the A Level Tutors of the subjects your young person is interested in to ensure the subjects complement each other and offer a clear pathway. It’s also essential to ensure your young person demonstrates a passion for and dedication to their chosen topics.

Browse our A-Level courses

Vocational Qualifications

Vocational Qualifications are highly practical educational pathways which closely relate to specific job roles or specific employment sectors.

They run from ‘entry level’ right up to degree-level, however, most people tend to take a Vocational Qualification straight after their GCSEs.

They are designed to help young people gain very practical skills in a specific job area which will make them employable from day one of qualifying. The emphasis on practical skills means many can go straight into the career they’ve always dreamed of working in.

It may not be the most traditional route, but Vocational Qualifications are also a route toward university and other educational progression. They are equivalent to 3 A Levels.

It’s unusual for anyone to take study additional qualifications alongside their Vocational course as it takes up roughly the same amount of timetable space as three A Levels. However, if they are passionate about going that extra step, please talk to us and we will do the best we can to accommodate their needs.

Browse our Vocational courses

T Levels

These brand-new qualifications are aimed at giving students a healthy balance of practical and knowledge-based learning.

T Levels are unique in offering students a guaranteed a minimum 315-hour industrial placement (approximately 45 days) so learners can put their theory in to practice in a real-life workplace as well as learning from those already doing to the job.

T Levels are currently only being offered in a limited number of subject areas: Construction, Digital, Education, Engineering and Health & Science.

Browse our T Level courses

These are due to expand in the next few years. They can talk to our Admissions Team to see if T Levels are the right choice for them: admissions@old.burnleycollegedev.co.uk

Themis Apprenticeship

Learners are in a paid job and get additional training and classroom sessions at Burnley College. They will spend roughly 80% of their time in work and 20% in the classroom.

At the end they will receive a nationally-recognised qualification which can lead to more education and even degree-level learning.

Modern Apprenticeships span every sector of employment from Marketing through to Aerospace Engineering. There are no limits to which sectors can and cannot employ an Apprentice.

The benefits of an Apprenticeship are:

• Paid employment
• Holiday leave
• Real workplace experience
• Expert training from industry-experienced Tutors

An Apprentice can either find their own employer or identify a role on our Live Vacancies.

Browse our Apprenticeships

Careers Support

There are many opportunities throughout the year for you to ask questions and learn key information to help support your young person in making choices about their future. 

• Parent/Guardians’ University Advice Event (January)
• Apprenticeship Open Event (January)
• Parents’ Evenings

Our Careers Team is here to help you as well as your young person. You can get in touch with them any time:

yourfuture@old.burnleycollegedev.co.uk