Qualifications
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) comprises nine levels (Entry Level to Level 8). Qualifications at the same level place similar demands on the learner, however they can be very different in terms of content and duration.
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) contains vocational (work related) qualifications. Units and qualifications from Entry Level to Level 8 and are broadly similar to the levels in the National Qualifications Framework.
| Level | NQF Qualifications | QCF Qualifications |
| 8 | Specialist Awards | Award, Certificate and Diploma in Strategic Direction |
| 7 | Diploma in Translation BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards | BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards Vocational qualifications at Level 5 (in the QCF framework) |
| 6 | National Diploma in Professional Production Skills BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards | BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards |
| 5 | HNCs, HNDs and other higher diplomas | HNDs BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards |
| 4 | Certificates of Higher Education | BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards HNCs Vocational qualifications at Level 4 |
| 3 | AS/A Levels GCE in applied subjects International Baccalaureate Key Skills Level 3 | BTEC Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 3 BTEC Nationals OCR Nationals Vocational qualifications at Level 3 |
| 2 | GCSEs grades A*-C Key Skills Level 2 Skills for Life Functional Skills at Level 2 | BTEC Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 2 Functional Skills at Level 2 OCR Nationals Vocational qualifications at Level 2 |
| 1 | GCSEs Grades D-G BTEC Introductory Diplomas and Certificates OCR Nationals Key Skills at Level 1 Skills for Life Functional Skills at Level 1 | BTEC Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 1 Functional Skills at Level 1 Foundation Learning pathways Vocational qualifications at Level 1 |
| Entry | Entry Level Certificates Skills for Life Functional Skills at entry level (English, maths and ICT) | Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Entry Level Foundation Learning at entry level Functional Skills at entry level |
Entry Level qualifications
Entry Level qualifications are usually taken by young people who may not be ready to take GCSEs, or they can be taken before or alongside GCSEs.
GCSEs - General Certificate of Secondary Education
These are the main qualifications that you could expect to take at the end of Year 11. GCSEs are available in the traditional academic or work-related subjects. You should expect to achieve eight GCSEs at Grades A*–C to progress to A Levels.
A Levels
A Level qualifications are available in academic and some work related subjects. A Levels are made up of the AS ('Advanced Subsidiary') Level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of an overall A Level grade.
The AS Level can be taken as a free standing qualification which would normally take a year. At the end of the AS year, you can choose to continue into a second year and take the full A Level. The A2 is not a separate qualification, but the second half of the A Level, designed to deepen the knowledge you gained during the AS level.
A Levels are graded A*-E. You should expect to achieve high grades at A Levels to go onto higher education.
The Diploma
Diploma qualifications are available in broad vocational subject areas and offer practical experience alongside class-based learning. The Diploma is available at three levels:
- Foundation (Level 1), taken alongside GCSEs and worth 5 GCSEs at Grades D-G
- Higher (Level 2), taken alongside GCSEs and worth 7 GCSEs at Grades A*-C
- Advanced (Level 3), taken alongside AS and A2s and worth 3˝ A Levels. A Progression Diploma (Level 3) is also available for people who don't want to take the full Advanced Diploma.
Not all institutions offer The Diploma in all subject areas or at all levels. For more information on the opportunities available to you, talk to your Personal Adviser or visit the Diploma website.
Degrees, Foundation Degrees and HNDs
Degrees, Foundation Degrees and HNDs are higher education qualifications that you could study at universities, some further education colleges and colleges of higher education. If you do well in your A2s or NVQs you could go on to study for an Honours degree (BA, BSc, etc). You might then choose to study towards a Postgraduate or other higher level qualifications.