ACA Training contract/school leaver specific circumstances

Hi there, unsure if this is right place to post but seemed most applicable. I’d be appreciative if anyone who deals with ACA training contract/school leaver programs and who’s dealt with any applicants with similar circumstances to me, or if anyone’s been in my position could give me some advice. I also want to mention that, I would rather a medium to smaller firm if entirely possible.

I’m interested in personal finance in general, investing, property, business and I’m thinking accountancy is something I could realistically do.

For context, I’m looking at a career in accountancy, I have my heart set on the ACA, I’m 25, don’t have a degree. have 5 GCSEs : 3 3 B’s, English (C), Maths (currently a C but I have retaken and I expect to get a 5/6 minimum, hopefully a 6 or more as I studied hard, find out in Aug)

I also have a BTEC Level 3 extended diploma in applied forensic science at D*DD (A-level equivalent, which would be an A*AA).

The BTEC diploma complicates my situation, I have seen opportunities online for ACA training contracts asking for GCSE’s and 2 A levels. I’m unsure if they would accept my BTEC, though it’s A-level equivalent but not accounting/business related. Also my GCSE in English and currently in Maths are at a C, making me wonder if that would sway their decision?

For work experience I’ve worked for 2 insurance companies but as customer service/advisor roles and currently work for as a fire safety technician, I don’t want to continue this long term.
As for accounting experience I’ve only ever done bank reconciliation at the small business I currently work for, I’m mostly doing physical work so this is only now and again & we don’t have an accounts department (thus no internal accountant to say I have had any practical experience) all reconciliation done in paper format with receipts, invoices and bank statements, as the accountant we use seems old hat & hasn’t kept up with tech I guess? I know this is inefficient but not my decision.

I’ve also been doing independent study for AAT level 2 to build my understanding, with the aim of not taking the exams, going straight on to AAT level 3 which would hopefully make it possible to get an ACA training contract either via further AAT study at level 4 or just making it clear I’m serious about accounting. I don’t mind the independent study and seem to be able to grasp the concepts with little issue.

I’m unsure if CFAB is a good route, as budget & time-wise I can only afford to study independently after full time work.

I also really want to avoid a degree, as at 25 I’d be looking at 3 years earning no salary, to then take a graduate scheme which would be 3-5 years extra.

It appears I have a few options, I’d be really appreciative if anyone could give me some guidance on which is most likely to be successful?

A) apply for ACA training contract with my GSCE’s & BTEC science

B) Achieve level 3 AAT independently, then apply for training contract

C) Achieve level 3 AAT + 4 independently, then apply for training contract

C) take ACA CFAB independently, then apply for training contract

D) Suck it up, get a degree and maybe be ACA qualified at 31/34 via grad scheme

Thanks very much for reading, I appreciate your time

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