Music (CPA Music Programme) Level 3 Extended Diploma Edexcel

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

The CPA Music Academy programme is an excellent opportunity for students with a keen interest in performing, song writing, music theory and the music business to extend and develop their skills. During regular lesson time you will be taught by Mr. Freeman, while every Friday you will have a dedicated Music Academy day where you will work with professionals from different areas of the music industry, depending on the unit you are studying. These include music producer Dan Lucas, music technology and performance expert Steve Rickwood, and musical director Phil Hornsey, as well as regular tuition from Daniel Morris and Nev Willis. Daniel is a leading music agent throughout Kent and London and Nev is a published songwriter and top guitarist.

The qualification you will achieve through the CPA Music Academy programme is a Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Music, which features ten assessment units, as follows.

For learners taking other courses we are also able to offer a smaller qualification, namely the Foundation Diploma. This is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels and features only the first four assessment units listed above.

• Performing as an ensemble

• Creating musical material

• Using musical styles

• Planning a career in the industry

• Using development plans to refine skills

• Producing a personal project

• Using material for self-promotion and networking

• Undertaking a defined technical project role

• Using creative collaboration to develop a project

• Producing a collaborative project

We would recommend a minimum grade 5 at GCSE music, or BTEC equivalent, and require the ability to sing or play a musical instrument to a good standard. It is also essential that you have enthusiasm for improving as a performer and writer as well as an interest in music theory and the music industry as a whole. The ability to work positively in collaboration with other students in the class, and with industry professionals, is also necessary due to the team-based nature of many of the projects you will be involved in.

In addition to the music sector-specific content outlined above, the requirements of the qualification will mean that learners develop the transferable and higher-order skills that are highly regarded by higher education and employers. For example, learners will learn how to develop their selection, reflection and justification skills independently. The qualification carries UCAS points and meets the admission requirements for many relevant courses, for example:

• BMus (Hons) in Music (Performance)

• BA (Hons) in Creative Musicianship

• BA (Hons) in Digital Music and Sound Arts

• BMus (Hons) in Contemporary Music Performance

• BA (Hons) in Music Performance, Production and Composition.