A-Level after BTEC to get to the uni of choice?

[Zalavetta]

DS always wanted to do Biology as a career but didn’t quite make the grade at GCSEs (a summer child, youngest in class and it showed), so ended up doing L3 BTEC in Applied science +A-level French. Now when it comes to Biology at Uni, top 20 typically would require A-Level in Biology on top of his BTEC. DS is dying to get into Royal Holloway (close by), went to their Bio Open day and impressed staff there, but was gutted to find out they won’t accept him without A-Level.

Is it worth doing a “crash course” A-Level once he finishes BTECs next year (predicted grade D*D)? Lots of colleges offer a “university foundation programme” for this.

He can also try and get into another uni with Foundation year but course programmes there are not as great as RHUL.

DS is not brilliantly academic, but hardworking and motivated.

Any ideas welcome.

RHUL have introduced foundation courses but possibly not for biology yet.

Sadly, not for Biology :((

Is he aware that biology at degree level involves a lot of maths and stats? If he's not terribly academic, he might struggle with this even after taking a level biology. Jobs in the field of biology are also quite limited.

Take an A'level in a year. Cheaper than an extra year of fees for a foundation year. DD did Maths in a year (as her year 1 teacher taught the wrong syllabus) and came out with a B this year. She didn't get the uni course she wanted as needed A so rather than take one of the many foundation courses she was offered, she's resitting.

Thanks for your post, YanTanTethera01, that is reassuring.
Is your DD at a private sixth form or a state one? Is she re-sitting at the same establishment?