Qualifications

Qualifications

Sixth forms and colleges offer a wide range of courses.  These include A Levels (mainly linked to school subjects) along with other vocational (more job related) qualifications such as T Levels and BTECs:

A Levels (Advanced Level) qualifications are Level 3, academic, exam-based qualifications.  Many of these are school based subjects (e.g. English, Biology or Maths) but some can be more varied (e.g. Psychology, Music Production and Media).

The entry requirements for A Levels are usually at least 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9.  This can often be higher in the subject area you are hoping to study.

Options after A Levels include getting a job, finding an apprenticeship or going to university.

Vocational Qualifications (e.g. T Levels and BTECs) are related to job areas or specific jobs e.g. Engineering, Health and Social Care, IT, Motor Vehicle and Hairdressing. They tend to be more practical and often include coursework and work experience.

T Levels are Level 3 courses and are equivalent to 3 A Levels.

The course is a combination of classroom-based study and an industry placement.

They are aimed at students who are very decided on the career path they wish to pursue.

Options after T Levels include getting a job, an apprenticeship or university.

BTEC’s are available at different levels (e.g. Level 1, 2 and 3).  

They are focused on developing key skills during practical sessions and include a work experience placement

Options after BTECS include getting a job or an apprenticeship. Level 3 BTECS can also lead on to university.

Other Vocational Qualifications E.g. Certificates and Diplomas are also available in a wide range of areas and at different levels.

Entry Requirements for Vocational courses:

Entry Level, Foundation and SEND Courses:

There are a wide range of entry level, Foundation and SEND courses.  

Some of these courses can help you to find out more about different job areas, develop your skills ready for the workplace and improve your Maths and

English.  

You may want to explore these courses if you haven’t taken any GCSEs or if you do not yet meet the entry requirements for a Level 1 course.  

Or you might not feel ready for a Level 1 course and some of the courses here will offer greater support.  

There will also be some courses here which support young people with SEND and/or with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Level 1 courses: These are equivalent to GCSE grades 1-3

   For some Level 1 courses you don't need any GCSE’s, however, there may be some Level 1 courses 

   where there are some requirements.

Level 2 courses: These are equivalent to 5 GCSE’s grades 4-9

For Level 2 courses you normally need 3 or 4 GCSEs at grades 2 or 3.

Sometimes Maths and/or English at grade 4 are required and so it is important to check this.

If you don’t already have grade 4 in English and Maths, you will usually need to retake these exams alongside your other studies.

Level 3 courses: Thes are equivalent to A Levels (e.g. T Levels & BTEC Level 3)

For a Level 3 course, you are usually required to have at least 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 and there can often be a specific grade required in the subject area you are hoping to study.