Core Mathematical Studies Level 3

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

Mathematics is, inherently, a sequential subject. There is a progression of material through all levels at which the subject is studied. It is assumed that students will already have confidence and competence in the content presented in standard type within the GCSE mathematics criteria.

Students will make use of elements of this content when addressing problems within this Level 3 Certificate Mathematical Studies specification but this is not explicitly set out in subject content.

This Level 3 Certificate Mathematical Studies specification aims to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established in GCSE mathematics.

Subject content that is expected to be used throughout this specification is listed below:

Knowledge and use of the formula y=mx + c

. It is also expected that students will be able to find the gradient of a straight line connecting two different points.

It is expected that spreadsheets and tables will be used throughout the teaching of this Level 3 Certificate Mathematical Studies specification. Spreadsheet formulae will include:

“=A1+A2+A3” to sum values in cells

“=2*B3” to multiply a value in a given cell

“=SUM(A1:A10)”

Knowledge and use of the formulae for the circumference and the area of circle.

Knowledge and use of the formulae for the perimeter of 2-D shapes, their areas and for calculating fractional areas of circles and composite shapes.

Knowledge and use of the mathematical content of analysis of data and maths for personal finance elements.

The ability to calculate surface areas of spheres, cones, pyramids and composite solids, including the application of the concepts of similarity including lengths in similar figures and Pythagoras’ theorem applied to 2-D and 3-D figures.

Students will make use of elements of the content from paper 1 when addressing problems within each paper 2.

Compulsory content

3.1 Analysis of data

3.2 Maths for personal finance

3.3 Estimation

3.4 Critical analysis of given data and models

Optional content

3.5 The normal distribution

3.6 Probabilities and estimation

3.7 Correlation and regression

3.8 Critical path and risk analysis

3.9 Expectation

3.10 Cost benefit analysis

3.11 Graphical methods

3.12 Rates of change

3.13 Exponential functions

Students will sit two papers.

Paper ONE

3.1 Analysis of data

3.2 Maths for personal finance

3.3 Estimation

Paper TWO A Statistical Techniques

3.4 Critical analysis of given data and models

3.5 The normal distribution

3.6 Probabilities and estimation

3.7 Correlation and regression

OR

PAPER TWO B Critical Path and Risk Analysis

3.4 Critical analysis of given data and models

3.8 Critical path and risk analysis

3.9 Expectation

3.10 Cost benefit analysis

OR

PAPER 2C : Graphical Techniques

3.4 Critical analysis of given data and models

3.11 Graphical methods

3.12 Rates of change

3.13 Exponential functions

We recommend GCSE Maths grade 5 and above.