English language school LILA* Liverpool has announced a move into the Further Education sector with the launch of an independent post-16 college.

Based at its existing site in the centre of the city, LILA* Sixth Form College will offer A-levels programs and plans to open in September 2019.

“Our Sixth Form College will complement our existing ELT”

A newly employed team of dedicated A-level teachers will teach subjects including science, mathematics, arts, humanities, physical education, business, design and technology.

“Our Sixth Form College will complement our existing ELT offer and may even lead to an increase in numbers as students boost their English language level before embarking on their A-level courses,” Leanne Linacre, director of LILA* Liverpool said.

The school’s international student body with opportunities to make friends from around the world via its social program adds an extra benefit for students, according to Linacre.

“We anticipate it will build gradually and the focus is on high quality with small class sizes,” she noted.

Courses will initially be open to domestic and EU students and will offer a pathway to university, Linacre added, but there is potential to open up to other markets.

“[We] are planning to apply for Tier 4 status once we assessed the reaction and demand in other markets. As a new entrant to the market we expect to start off small with a few students and build gradually.”

Students will also have the opportunity to do an Extended Project Qualification, which LILA* says is highly valued by UK universities, and carries UCAS tariff points equivalent to half an A-level.

“A-levels are highly-regarded around the world so we are delighted to be helping students progress to the very best universities,” Linacre suggested.

Additionally, the school will employ a welfare and pastoral team for its Sixth Form students to ensure students are mentally fit to “meet the rigours and demands” of academic life in the UK.