Level 3
- Level 3 courses are suitable for students who have gained higher grade GCSEs (at least 4 at A*-C).
- The qualifications you can gain at Level 3 include, for example, NVQ 3, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (first year) and BTEC Extended Diploma (second year).
- Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to A Levels.
- After one year of study, students can achieve a lower level 3 qualification (such as a Subsidiary Diploma). Most students then study for a second year to gain a higher level 3 qualification (such as the Extended Diploma, which is equivalent to 3 A Levels and accepted for entry to universities).
Level 2
- Level 2 courses are suitable for students who have gained mostly lower grade GCSEs (but at least 4 above grade E).
- The qualifications you can gain at Level 2 include, for example, the NVQ 2 or the BTEC Level 2 Diploma.
- Courses will normally include some Maths and English as well as your chosen subject.
- Level 2 normally takes one year, after which students can apply to move up to a Level 3 course.
Level 1
- Level 1 courses are suitable for students who have not gained any GCSEs (or less than 4 GCSEs above grade E).
- The qualifications you can gain at Level 1 include, for example, the NVQ 1, the BTEC Level 1, or the Foundation Learning Diploma.
- Courses will normally include some Maths and English as well as your chosen subject.
- Level 1 normally takes one year, after which students can apply to move up to a Level 2 course.
Please note that some courses requiring specialist skills (such as Motor Vehicle Maintenance, Carpentry, Bricklaying and Hairdressing) may require students to start at a lower level regardless of their GCSEs, unless they have experience of these skills.