Skip to content
referalearnerFind my match

A Level English Language

at St John Rigby College, Wigan · sixth form college

Level 3A levelsGCE A level2 yearsFull time

What the college says

English Language involves studying a range of authentic texts and transcripts taken from everyday sources and a variety of contexts. It considers how texts are designed for particular audiences and purposes. It also involves studying how the dimensions of power, technology, history and age can significantly influence the ways individuals, social groups and institutions communicate. What is the difference between English Language and English Literature? These subjects are radically different disciplines that involve practising very different skills. English Literature is about reading, analysing and evaluating poetry, prose and drama, looking at the ways that writers use techniques to create effects. English Language is the study of language taken from everyday sources including examples of written and spoken text. It focuses on how values, attitudes and purposes are revealed through the mechanics of language and how these can vary according to gender, power, time and technology. This is very different from English Language at GCSE

What you need to get on

In addition to any individual subject specific requirements, students will be expected to have the following qualifications to be guaranteed a place on an A level programme: + 2 GCSE grades at 6 or above and 4 GCSE grades at 4 or above. GCSE English Language a grade 5 must be included in this grade profile.

How you are assessed

Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.

What this level means

The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.

Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?

Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.

Where it runs

  • St John Rigby Sixth Form College

    Gathurst Road Orrell, Wigan, WN5 0LJ

    DaytimeClassroom based
    Check the journey

Start dates

  • 2 September 2026 · Wigan

Who else teaches this exact qualification

Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.

See all 27 providers teaching it