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Pre-Foundation programme

Prepare for your Foundation

Study the Pre-Foundation for three terms and develop the skills you need to progress to the Foundation programme. This is a focussed course designed for students who need additional English language and academic support. You will have the opportunity to study core subjects and projects related to the Foundation pathway you are looking to progress to.

This course is taught at Bellerbys College Brighton and Bellerbys College London. Progression options and course content vary by location. 

Why choose the Pre-Foundation programme?

  • You will gain the academic and English language skills needed to progress to one of our Foundation pathways.
  • Work on projects related to your own chosen pathway.
  • Enjoy enrichment activities, workshops and guest lectures related to your course.

Foundation progression options

From Bellerbys Brighton:

From Bellerbys London:

There is also the opportunity for London students to progress to study the A Level programme if they achieve a high academic standard and IELTS 5.5. 

What will I study if I study this programme in Brighton?

You will study three GCSE subjects with exams at the end of the programme in:

  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • and either Business, Art or Media.

If you choose Art or Media you will also complete project work.

You can also study for a GCSE exam in your native language (if available at the College).

What will I study if I study this programme in London?

You will study nationally-recognised Gateway Qualifications in Business Administration and Mathematics. These are registered with Ofqual and accepted by the UKVI, universities, and schools and colleges.

You will also study:

  • English language to improve your IELTS - 10 hours per week.
  • Portfolio project work.
  • GCSE Mathematics (optional).

Find out more about the Gateway Qualifications taught with this programme in London:

This is a nationally-recognised certificate. You will study six hours per week and cover the following topics: 

  • Assessing personal learning and thinking
  • Exploring entrepreneurship 
  • Working in business and administration
  • Skills for team workers
  • Using numeracy skills in business
  • Using ICT in the workplace
  • Presenting enterprise ideas
  • Effective communication
  • Personal budgeting and managing money
  • Solving business problems

This is a nationally-recognised certificate. You will study six hours per week and cover the following topics:

  • Making calculations
  • Numerical relationships - algebra and ratios
  • Using probability
  • Numbers, decimals, fractions and percentages
  • Money, time and temperature
  • Geometry
  • Using communications data

Studying the Pre Foundation in London allows you to study the relevant subjects for a future in Business. As you spend your time developing your knowledge in these key areas, there is a focus on portfolio based work produced in class or as homework. Because of this, there are no exams in Business or Maths.

We have chosen interesting modules that will help you develop wider skills and fill knowledge gaps in Maths and Business.

Pre-Foundation key facts

Minimum age:

15.5
Course length 3 terms
Hours per week 22 classroom hours plus self-study
Term dates: September, January (London only). See term dates
Centres: Brighton and London
English language entry requirements: IELTS 3.5
Tuition fees per term: £7,890

GCSEs

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GCSEs are taken as a course of study before taking A levels or a Foundation pathway. Our GCSE Pathway programme offers students from the age of 14 years an early opportunity to establish the language, learning and cultural skills they need to succeed in the highly competitive world of higher education.

A Levels

Bellerbys Cambridge students in a Foundation Media class at the College

A Levels are British qualifications, accepted by all universities in the UK and recognised in the USA and Australia. Students who are with us for five or six terms will typically study up to four A Levels. This gives you a world of choice. Students typically study three or four subjects with exams at the end of two years.

Foundation

Bellerbys London Star Student Mark Lee

A one-year course for international students that builds specialist subject knowledge and language and study skills. It is more focussed than A Levels making it good preparation for university. It is recognised for entry onto a range of degree programmes at more than 70 universities in the UK.