There are nine qualification levels, from Entry level through to level 8. Here are some examples of qualifications that you could work towards:
Entry Level
These are usually taken by young people, who may not be ready to GCSEs, or you can take these before or alongside GCSEs or Foundation Learning courses.
Level 1
- Foundation Learning
- Foundation Diploma
- GCSEs D-G
- Some vocational qualifications like City and Guilds.
Level 2
- GCSEs A*-C
- Higher Diploma
- Vocational qualifcations like City and Guilds or BTEC
- Apprenticeships
Level 3
- A Levels
- Advanced Diploma
- Vocational qualifications like BTEC
- Advanced Apprenticeships
Level 4
- Certificates of Higher Education/HNCs
- Higher Apprenticeship
Level 5
- Diploma of Higher Education
- Foundation Degree
- HNDs
Level 6
- Batchelor Degrees (BA/BSc etc)
- PGCE
- Graduate Diplomas and Certificates
Level 7
- Masters Degrees (MA/MSc etc)
- Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas
Level 8
- Doctoral Degrees (PhD etc).
In Years 10 and 11 you would be mainly taking Level 2 or lower courses. Most students take GCSEs with exams at the end of Year 11. As well as GCSEs in traditional subjects, you can choose work-related GCSEs. GCSEs are graded A* - G. You usually need 8 A – C grades to progress to 'A' Levels.
Post 16 you could expect to go onto Level 3 courses - for most people these are 'A' levels. You can study 'A' levels in academic subjects, as well as some 'applied' (work-related) subjects. 'A' Levels are graded A* – E. You will need high grades in 'A' levels to go onto higher education.
You can find out more at Directgov.
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. Visit Education Weblinx for more useful websites.