Barston Blog

At Barston College, we love to see people smash their goals, no matter how big or small; if you care about them, then so do we. We know that for many of you, sticking to your New Year's Resolutions in 2025 will be at the top of your…

Find out all about 2025 UCAS application deadlines. Don't leave it too late - submit your application on time and work towards a brighter future.

Have you recently been making excuses to cancel plans, just because the thought of socialising makes you anxious? Do you have trouble sleeping? Or maybe it's getting out of bed in the morning which you find the most difficult? These are some of the earliest signs that you could be…

“Where do you want to be in five years?” That dreaded question interviewers like to ask.  Woman in a job interview If you’re entering the job market, you may not know what progression will be open to you or which route you want to take.  You…

There were 767,000 applicants for full-time undergraduate places through UCAS in 2022. Given the impacts of Covid-19, this figure is impressive and suggests that for many, the appeal of university remains strong. However, obstacles to higher education still remain, particularly with regards to grades…

A-levels are gateway qualifications for many degrees and careers, typically studied between the ages of 16 and 18. They usually take two years of study to complete and act as a level 3 certification between GCSEs and degrees. There are many reasons why someone might not…

You may be wondering why three letters could make all the difference. It's the difference between getting the latest qualification or no qualification at all. As of September 1st, 2024, the Diploma in Education & Training (DET) was replaced by the Diploma in Teaching (DiT). So, any students enrolling…

Having access to a range of A-level Maths textbooks and other resources is key for developing as wide an understanding of the course as possible. Different awarding bodies will have their own set of recommended textbooks and study guides, but here are some of our recommendations. Do…

Finding yourself out of work is a stressful situation that can affect anyone at any stage in life, regardless of your age or experience. It can feel like someone has swept the rug from under your feet, leaving you shaken. After the shock, it may feel like you’ve been…

Whether you dream of becoming a doctor, are passionate about working with animals, or have hopes of being a teacher, getting the right GCSEs is the first step. Deciding on the best combination of subjects is not a decision to rush, and it can be a…

Barston College are committed to contributing towards a more sustainable, healthier planet.

Considering a change in career is a decision that needs careful thought. There are a host of reasons why we might want to explore new paths, from a better salary to wanting to make a difference in the world. Regardless of the reason, taking or resitting GCSE courses…

Making the jump up to studying A-levels from GCSE is often said to be the hardest in education. But why is that the case? And what can you do to prepare yourself for the transition? Read on to find out! Quality and quantity More…

Functional skills offer a shorter and more suitable way to meet entry requirements for many courses. Therefore they are a great way to gain the fundamental skills you need to succeed in vocational learning. In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about functional…

Access to Higher Education (A2HE) Diplomas provide a transformative pathway to personal growth, career opportunities, and societal progress. However, there is a grey area surrounding whether universities will accept the courses as part of their entry requirements. In this article, we will highlight some of the forward-thinking…

As of 2024, normal grading arrangements will continue for A-levels. The transition to pre-pandemic grading is now complete. However, over the past few years, both the structure and content of A-level courses have changed. Here is a quick guide to those A-level changes. If you can't find the information…

We’re exactly two weeks into January today, and with 2019 well in its stride, it’s around the time that New Year’s resolutions begin to break. As each year comes to its end, we promise to tackle habits, accomplish goals, and become better versions of ourselves, whether it’s dieting plans, saving…

Well Done, Barston College A-level and GCSE Students! Across the UK, thousands of students will have received their A-level or GCSE results. We would like to congratulate everyone who took part in this year's exams! We have received literally hundreds of enquiries about the recent results from…

Over the past decade, the visibility of mental health has skyrocketed, with greater awareness than ever before. That’s great news for those who struggle with their mental well-being, as there are now dozens of treatments and therapies readily available – chief among which is CBT. CBT has emerged…

Barston College was amongst the high-profile finalists for the 'Best use of blended learning' category at the Learning Technology Awards in London last week. The Learning Technologies Awards gala evening is a glittering black-tie celebration attracting guests from across the learning and development industry worldwide. The online college was…

If a career in education is something you've been dreaming of and you're inspired to help the next generation fulfil their potential, a teaching assistant (or TA) could be perfect for you. Being a TA is often the natural first step towards becoming a teacher. But that…

If you’re thinking of becoming a teaching assistant, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the technical terminology you’re encountering and the different levels of teaching assistant qualifications. How do you know which is right for you or where to begin? We get it,…

A-level maths can often divide opinion, read how it can help you in your professional life and how you can apply transferable skills in other areas.

As an A-level Biology student, having a selection of reliable resources at your fingertips is important. Whether you're revising for exams or simply want to deepen your understanding of key biological concepts, the right books can make all the difference. Textbook suggestions for A-Level Biology It goes…