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.
GCSEs - General Certificate of Secondary Education Level 1 - 2
These are the main qualifications that you could expect to take at school. Most students take their GCSE 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.
'A' Levels Level 3
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.
Diplomas levels Level 1, 2 and 3
Diplomas are available at three levels:
- Foundation – a Level 1 qualification - taken alongside GCSEs, and equivalent to 5 D-G grade GCSEs
- Higher – a Level 2 qualification - taken alongside GCSEs, and equivalent to 7 A* – C grade GCSEs
- Advanced – a Level 3 qualification - taken alongside AS and A2s, and equivalent 3½ A levels.
There is also a Progression Diploma Level 3 - for people who don't want to do the full Advanced Diploma. Not all schools and colleges offer Diplomas so your Personal Adviser will be able to give you advice on the Diplomas, where they are offered locally and how they fit in with other qualifications.
NVQs Level 1 - 3
National Vocational Qualifications are offered at similar levels to GCSEs and AS A2s, but are most commonly offered as work-based qualifications. So if you enter an Apprenticeship you'll take a NVQ in a relevant work subject at Level 2 or 3.
Degrees, Foundation Degrees and HNDs Level 4 - 6
These are qualifications that you could expect to study at a university or college of higher education if you do well in your A2s or NVQs. You could study for an Honours degree (BA, BSc etc) (Level 6). People who get a very good Honours degree then might progress to further study or research leading to Level 7 or 8 qualifications.
Other Qualifications
There are other qualifications like Foundation Skills and the International Baccalaureate Diploma; 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.