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Engineering

BTEC/CTEC/UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas

Engineering

Course type: CTEC Level 3
Awarding/exam body: OCR

How are bridges constructed?

How do aeroplanes get up in the sky and stay there?

If you frequently ask yourself questions like these, you’ll enjoy our Engineering CTEC Level 3. Engineering is the fascinating, always changing study of how and why things work.

From electronics to mechanics, the engineering concepts covered will broaden your understanding of how things function. You will apply mathematical understanding in a practical setting and build towards researching and designing your own experiments.

This course allows you to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required for progression into a range of roles within the engineering industry using relevant software throughout the course. You’ll gain a thorough grounding in engineering theory and principles, putting these into practice through classroom experiments, industry visits and university partnerships.

All of the skills developed will prepare you for an exciting future in whatever field of engineering you choose. There are many kinds of engineering to choose from according to your interests, as well as a huge range of jobs available. As an engineer, you can contribute to the world in a positive and enduring way.

Engineering is also complemented by Mathematics and Science.

Unit 01: Mathematics for Engineering

Unit 02: Science for Engineering

Unit 03: Mechanical Engineering Design

Unit 04: Principles of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Unit 25: Promoting Continuous Improvement

Examples of Further Units

Unit 10: Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Unit 11: Material Science

Unit 12: Mechanical Simulation and Modelling

Unit 13: Mechanical Operations

Unit 15: Pneumatics and Hydraulics

Unit 20: Business for Engineering

Unit 22: Environmental Engineering

Assessment is examination-based on the core units, with other units assessed via coursework.

A degree in many types of engineering at most UK universities or employment in a related field. Foundation degrees and HNDs are also available, and there is a vast selection of apprenticeships on offer in the UK.

Careers can include mechanical engineer, manufacturing engineer, materials engineer, electrical engineer, electronics engineer, petroleum engineer, chemical (process) engineer, biomedical engineer, technical sales engineer.

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, ideally including English Language at Grade 4 OR BTEC Level 2 Diploma at Merit with English Language at Grade 4.

Grade 5 in Maths, Grades 5,5 in Combined Science OR Grade 5 in Maths, Grade 4 in two separate science GCSEs OR BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Engineering with Merit and Grade 5 in Maths.

  • Visit to a university for an engineering subject insight day, including practical sessions in the undergraduate laboratories.
  • Ex-students speak to students about their successful progression to higher education and career pathways.
  • Opportunity to apply for work experience
  • Opportunity for students to build and test a product

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Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Female Student

Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

Male Student

Upcoming Events

Open Evening

Wednesday, 4th March · 4pm – 6pm

Explore your options and secure your offer from Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College for September 2026.

Book your place to visit London’s top performing and friendliest sixth form college with a 97% pass rate in A levels, BTECs, UAL Diplomas and T Levels.

Hire Our Spaces

Hold your next event with us in one of our many available spaces. Choose from: a multi-use games area, sports hall, dining hall and garden, multi-purpose hall, dance/drama studio, fitness suite, meeting/conference rooms, computer suite, chapel and music studio. Kitchen and catering facilities and free parking are also available.

Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

Student with child

What Our
Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

Joshua, former Sociology student

Latest News & Blog

Record‑Breaking University Applications at SFX

We’re thrilled to announce that almost 90% of our Year 13 students submitted their university applications ahead of last week’s UCAS deadline – the highest completion rate in our history. Even more impressively: 📈 78% of applications were to Top Third universities 📈 55% were to Russell Group institutions – a 6% increase on 2025 […]

Students Celebrated at the Essential 8 Awards

During the final week of term, students’ achievements were recognised at Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College’s Essential 8 Awards, a celebration of the skills and qualities that underpin success both during college life and beyond. Students were nominated by their teachers and Heads of House for demonstrating aptitude in one or more of the […]

Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College announces excellent 2025 Level 3 examination results

We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]

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