There are loads of courses out there and it helps to know how they’re all linked together, as well as which ones open the doors you want to go through. First, you need a clear idea of your starting point – this means knowing the grades and level you are working towards in your current studies. To find out what learning level you are currently at you’ll need to talk to your teacher, but below is an outline of what leads where.
You can also download the year 11 action planner to help you take the right steps to make the right choices.
Level 3 – Advanced
| What do I need? | What courses can I take at this level? | Where do they lead? | |
| 5 or more GCSE’s at grade A*-C (including Maths and English as required) NVQ2 |
General Academic | A levels (AS/A2) Applied A levels International Baccalaureate |
Employment in technical/skilled/supervisory roles Higher Education |
| Vocational/Applied | Advanced Diploma BTEC National Certificate or Diploma |
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| Job Related | NVQ3 Advanced Apprenticeships |
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Level 2 – Higher
| What do I need? | What courses can I take at this level? | Where do they lead? | |
| GCSEs at grade D BTEC Introductory Award Foundation Diploma NVQ 1 |
General Academic | GCSEs A*-C | Employment in operative/semi-skilled roles Further Education Level 3 |
| Vocational/Applied | Higher Diploma BTEC First Award OCR National |
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| Job Related | NVQ 2 Apprenticeship |
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Level 1 – Foundation
| What do I need? | What courses can I take at this level? | Where do they lead? | |
| GCSEs at grade E or below Entry Level Award |
Vocational/Applied | Foundation Diploma BTEC Introductory Diploma Entry to Employment Programme |
Employment in operative roles Further Education Level 2 |
| Job Related | NVQ1 Young Apprenticeship |
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Entry level – Foundation Learning
| What do I need? | What courses can I take at this level? | Where do they lead? | |
| No qualifications are required | General/Skills-based | Entry Level Award Foundation programme Entry to Employment Programme |
Further Education Level 1 |
| Vocational/Applied | Introductory certificates Vocational studies certificate |
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