Advice regarding level 2 BTEC instead of GCSEs and affect on uni applications

[Masqued]

Not a very succinct title, sorry. I’m struggling a bit with how to guide/advise DS; he is only Y8 now but soon to choose his GCSE options (well in Y9 but that’s pretty soon!). He is a reasonably academic all-rounder, great results in all subjects. He has no clear idea what he wants to ‘do when he grows up’ - which is fine as he is only 13 - but I want to make sure he doesn’t accidentally close any doors yet.

So basically, he is considering a performing arts BtEC, his school do not offer GCSE Drama. He will do the usual range of other GCSEs including triple science, a language and then will probably choose to do two more ‘typical’ subjects such as history and geography or maybe comp sci or maybe design tech (as i say he has no real idea and is an all-rounder)!

I think it’s fine?? But there were no BtECS when I was at school, so just wanted to ask the general opinion and specifically what do unis think of them - do they even care about them at GCSE level? Does it vary depending on what uni/what course - would it matter more the the most competitive courses?

Sorry for typos, phone won’t me go back and check my work!

Absolutely fine. Don’t worry one bit.

Save your worries for if they’ll be a functioning uni sector when he goes instead. Sorry, long week…

It’s fine, really

Phone up or email some university admissions departments and ask them. DC was told by college that a BTEC would be ‘fine’ and ‘just the same’ as an alternative to one A level, but when it came to applying to Unis there were lots of places that wouldn’t accept it.

OP is talking about Level 2 not Level 3 BTECs…

My eldesra son has one btech level 2 alongside his traditionsl gcses. He got offers from Warwick, Bath, Durham and Surrey for economics which is pretty competitive at the moment so I think most unis are fine with one btech..

Fabulous and very reassuring - thanks everyone. I want him to decide for himself based on his interests, I’m not planning to really get involved beyond being a sounding board BUT I would’ve steered him away if it was going to limit his choices later - doesn’t seem like I have anything to worry about. Phew.

2 BTEC will be fine. My foster son did a BTEC in food as his school didn't do a GCSE in food tech. He enjoyed it and it didn't harm his uni application.

Yes as titchy says this is a Btec at GCSE level though which is a different thing altogether. Btw a Btec post-16 will be accepted at a lot of unis although for sure not all, and not for all courses. I wouldn't say "lots" tbh. RG unis like Birmingham and Sheffield will accept Btecs especially alongside A levels for a lot of courses. Where was not happy out of interest?

@Masqued for GCSE level it is totally fine, please don't worry. Let him choose what he will enjoy.