Qualifications at a glance

Whatever you want to do with your life; there's no doubt that the right qualifications can help you achieve your goals.

Qualifications in the national framework are arranged into levels from entry level awards to higher level qualifications and degrees. The higher the level the greater the depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and understanding you have to show to get the qualifications.

Entry Level

Certificate of (Educational) Achievement

Entry level certificates are for students who would find GCSEs difficult.

They're the first level of the National Qualifications Framework and can be a stepping stone to GCSEs or NVQ Level 1.

The certificates are available in a wide range of academic, work-based and skills-based subjects and are at three different levels.

Levels 1 and 2

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs)

GCSE courses generally last two years.

GCSEs are graded A* - G.

The grade each student gets depends on a mix of coursework and exam marks. GCSEs in vocational subjects.

Eight GCSEs are available in Applied Art and Design, Applied Business, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Applied ICT, Leisure and Tourism, Manufacturing and Applied Science.

They offer a more hands-on approach to learning and emphasise practical skills.

GCSEs in vocational subjects consist of three equal units (except ICT). Two units include a portfolio of coursework. The assessment for the third unit varies, it may be assessed by a one and a half hour test paper or by a 10 hour externally set assignment which is assessed by the school.

Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs)

VRQs are normally taken through an FE college. They include technical certificates and other qualifications which are often known by the 'brand' name of the awarding body, such as Edexcel (soon to be London Qualifications), City and Guilds, OCR, LCCI and many more. Includes industry based subjects e.g. engineering, IT and business management.

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

NVQs are work related, competence based qualifications which relate to specific jobs.

They are available at five levels, ranging from Level 1 (foundation skills) to Level 5 (chartered, professional or senior management).

Students can do a work-based placement course in the workplace.

Foundation Modern Apprenticeships

A Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) lasts at least 12 months.

FMAs offer training leading to NVQ Level 2 and a technical certificate.

Most trainees are employed and earn a wage; others are not employed and receive a training allowance instead.

If an Apprentice completes their training successfully, they can move on to an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship or continue their education and training in other ways to move their career forward.

Level 3

Advanced Modern Apprenticeships

An Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) lasts at least 24 months.

AMA training leads to NVQ level 3 and technical certificate and gives the skills and qualifications needed to become a future technician and manager.

Apprentices are employed and earn a wage set by their employer.

If the AMA is completed successfully, with qualifications at Level 3, a young person can then move onto a higher education course such as a higher level NVQ, foundation degree or related vocational degree course.

A levels

A levels are made up of two parts: AS (Advanced Subsidiary - the first half of the A level) and A2s (the second half of the A level).

In Year 12 your teenager can choose from a wide choice of As levels, then in Year 13 specialise in three or four of those subjects at A2 to make up the full A level or take more AS courses instead.

Vocational A levels (VCEs) are designed to develop knowledge and skills needed for jobs in particular work areas such as hospitality and catering, leisure and tourism or engineering.

AEAs (Advanced Extension Awards) - are world class tests, designed to stretch the most able students. They replace the old 'special papers' and to start with are available in the 17 main A level subjects. Level 4 Higher Level Qualifications