Richmond College invited parents and students to learn about the Cambridge Pre-U qualification this month, after it was announced it will be piloted at the college from September 2012.

Principal David Ansell, with teaching staff, discussed the benefits of the new qualification for 16 to 19 year olds on Tuesday, March 20.

The Cambridge Pre-U Certificate is equivalent to an A -level, but students are examined at the end of their two year course and the two highest grades attract more UCAS points than an A* grade at A-level.

Curriculum divisional director for Richmond College, Kathleen Wildman, said: “Initially we are offering the Cambridge Pre-U Certificate in eight principal subjects - classical heritage, drama and theatre, economics, English literature, music, philosophy and theology fine art and history.”