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With the breadth and choice of qualifications available it can be confusing deciding what to do after you’ve completed your GCSEs. Our quick guide highlights some of the qualification types available and what different education levels mean.
By 2019, all GCSE results will be using the new system.
Types of qualifications
Types of qualifications
GCSE General Certificate of Secondary Education
GCSE are academic qualifications typically studied from age 14 up to 16. They are taken at the end of school year 11 by ages 15-16. New GCSEs will be graded 9–1, rather than A*–G. Grade 9 is the highest grade, set above the current A*. Grade 4 is equivalent to a low C; grade 5 is a high C. The new system is intended to help provide more differentiation, especially among higher achieving students.
Levels explained
Levels explained
Entry Level
Entry Level
If you’re looking to build skills, increase your knowledge, get back into education and boost your confidence to take the next step Entry Level qualifications can help you. They are open to anyone interested in gaining recognised qualification. There are no entry requirements. The qualifications are recognised across the UK. Examples are:
- Entry Level 1, 2, and 3 Certificates
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Functional Skills (English, Maths and ICT)
- Skills for Life (English and Maths)
- Entry Level BTEC Award/Certificate/Diploma
Level 1
Level 1
If you’re looking for an introduction into general work and practical hands-on activities, the foundation level courses allow you to gain skills that will help you get a job or qualification.
- GCSE grades 3-1 (D-G)
- BTEC Level 1 Award/Certificate/Diploma
- BTEC Introductory Certificate/Diploma
- Functional Skills
- VRQ Level 1
- NVQ Level 1
- Skills for life (English and Maths)
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Level 2
Level 2
Level 2 courses are intermediate level. They provide a good knowledge and understanding of a subject and require the learner to do a variety of tasks with some guidance or supervision. The qualifications gained at this level are suitable for many job roles.
- GCSE grades 9-4 (A*-C)
- BTEC Level 2 Award/Certificate/Diploma
- BTEC First Certificate/Diploma
- Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Pre-Access to Higher Education
- NVQ Level 2
- VRQ Level 2
- Skills for Life (English and Maths)
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Functional Skills
Level 3
Level 3
If you’re planning on going to university getting your level 3 qualification is important. Level 3 qualification enable you to gain or apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding at a detailed level. Study at this level is more challenging as they are preparation for careers or further and degree level study.
- A and A2 Level
- BTEC Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma and Extended Diploma
- Vocational Certificate of Education (VCE)
- Access to Higher Education
- NVQ Level 3
- Advanced Apprenticeship
- Education and Training Award Level 3
Level 4
Level 4
Specialist learning, involving detailed analysis of information and knowledge in an area of work or study. Courses are run in collaboration with partner universities. Suitable for people working technical and professional jobs, and/or managing and developing others.
- Higher National Certificate (HNC)
- BTEC Professional Award
- Education and Training Award Level 4
- Higher Apprenticeship (Year 1)
- Professional Development Diploma (PDD)
Level 5
Level 5
Level 5 involves high level of work expertise and competence in managing and training others. Suitable for people working as higher grade technicians professionals or managers. This level gives you increased depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study.
- Foundation Degree
- Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
- Higher Apprenticeship (Year 2)
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