Choosing the right place for your child to study A Levels is a big decision. For many families in Surrey, school sixth forms or well-known sixth form colleges are often the default option. But increasingly, parents visiting Guildford College are discovering that it offers something slightly different – a supportive, flexible and future-focused approach that is helping students thrive.
At Guildford College, A Levels are designed to give students strong academic foundations while also developing the wider skills needed for university and the workplace. Students typically study three subjects from a wide range including Biology, Business, Chemistry, English Language and Literature, History, Law, Mathematics, Physics, Politics, Psychology and Sociology, with the option to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to deepen their academic interests.
Flexible pathways: the STEP–STRIVE–STRETCH programme
Many parents come to our open events not knowing what to expect and leave feeling reassured by the college’s ethos and supportive learning environment. A key part of this is the STEP–STRIVE–STRETCH programme, which provides clear pathways for students depending on their GCSE results.
STEP supports students who want to improve GCSE grades before progressing to higher-level study.
STRIVE helps learners strengthen their academic profile while gaining a taste of Level 3 study.
STRETCH is the full A Level programme for students ready to begin their Level 3 qualifications.
This flexible structure means that students who may not achieve the GCSE results they hoped for still have a route to reach their A Level ambitions, without compromising their long-term goals.
Teaching and support that helps students succeed
Parents also value the teaching approach at Guildford College. Classes are delivered by specialist teachers in well-equipped facilities, with students supported by a personal tutor who meets them regularly to review progress and set targets. This balance of independence and guidance helps students develop the study habits they will need at university.
Enrichment beyond the classroom
Beyond the classroom, Guildford College is committed to helping students build confidence and broaden their horizons. While the A Level provision is still developing its enrichment programme, students already benefit from a growing range of extracurricular opportunities. Current clubs include a Board Games Club, Warhammer Club, French Club and Table Tennis Club, with more activities being introduced throughout the year based on student interests.
Alongside these clubs, students also take part in subject-related trips, guest speaker sessions and industry visits designed to bring learning to life. Recent examples include a visit to Brussels and a Business and Marketing field trip to London, where students explored the Museum of Brands and visited flagship stores for global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and New Balance.
The college also maintains strong links with universities and employers. Students benefit from higher education fairs, UCAS application support and workshops run by universities, helping them prepare for the next stage of their academic journey.
A Learning Philosophy that puts students first
Activate Learning’s Learning Philosophy underpins everything we do at Guildford College, shaping how students are taught and supported. Grounded in neuroscience, it focuses on how the brain learns through practice, how motivation drives engagement and how positive emotions support learning and memory. This approach encourages students to take an active role in their education, understand the purpose behind their studies and develop the confidence to challenge themselves.
Alongside academic knowledge, students also build valuable personal qualities such as resilience, professionalism, confidence, enterprise and self-awareness – skills that are highly valued by universities and employers alike.
Supporting every student to succeed
What really sets Guildford College apart is the level of support available to students throughout their A Level journey. From the moment students apply, they are supported not only academically but personally and professionally to help them succeed and plan their next steps.
Dedicated careers advisers provide one-to-one guidance on university, apprenticeships and future careers, alongside employer engagement and progression planning.
The college also places strong emphasis on pastoral and wellbeing support, with specialist teams offering academic support, wellbeing advice and confidential counselling where needed. Students can further develop confidence and leadership skills through the Student Leadership programme, while financial support and bursaries are available to help with travel or course costs.
Together, these layers of support create a welcoming environment where students feel known, supported and motivated to succeed.
A compelling choice for families
Ultimately, Guildford College’s A Level programme is built around a simple idea: every student deserves the chance to reach their potential. With supportive pathways, dedicated teaching staff and opportunities to enrich learning beyond the classroom, Guildford is quickly becoming a compelling choice for families exploring A Level options in Surrey.
For parents who want a college that combines academic ambition with a supportive, student-centred environment, Guildford College is well worth a closer look.
Further reading:
More about our Step – Strive – Stretch programme
A Level courses at Guildford College
Financial support and bursaries
Careers support and guidance at Guildford College
Starting your Further Education course at college
All about the Learning Philosophy