Course types
Most cife colleges let students choose virtually any combination of subjects, and mix course types — A-level retakes with fresh one-year A levels, for example.
A-level retakes
Retaking one or more A levels to lift grades for university entry — including retake-plus-new-subject combinations.
One-year and two-year structures · day and boarding · London and beyond
One-year A levels
Compressing A levels into a single intensive year — for focused students, transfers, or late decisions.
Intensive one-year structure · small groups · strong UCAS support
Two-year A levels
The classic two-year sixth-form route — broad subject choice with personal attention and university guidance.
Two-year structure · wide subject choice · day and boarding
GCSE retakes
Resitting GCSEs — English and maths for university entry, or a fuller set alongside future A levels.
One-year intensive or two-year core · day and boarding
GCSEs
Full GCSE programmes — two-year core or intensive one-year — in small, supportive sixth-form settings.
Two-year or one-year · small classes · progression to A levels
Revision courses
Easter, Christmas and summer revision — short intensive bursts to consolidate and lift exam performance.
Short intensive blocks · small groups · exam practice
Tuition
Individual and small-group tuition — classroom or online — to support schoolwork, retakes or revision.
One-to-one or small group · classroom or online
Foundation courses
One-year university foundation programmes — an alternative to A levels, including medical and international routes.
One-year · university progression · international welcome
External exams
Sitting exams as an external or private candidate — centres, entries and practical arrangements explained.
Exam centres · entries · re-sits alongside study
cife colleges are independent, fee-paying colleges — fees vary by college, course and duration. See fees & scholarships · Ask cife about costs
Not ready to choose? Understand your options first
Retakes, transfers, one-year courses, revision, fees — our sixth-form advice articles answer the questions families actually ask, then point you to the right course and colleges.