Qualifications
There are different levels and types of qualifications available after year 11.
Post Year 11 qualifications
| Academic (sixth form or college) | General vocational (sixth form or college) | Vocational (college or apprenticeship) | |
| Level 3 (usually two years) | E.g. A-levels | E.g. BTEC level 3, T-Levels qualifications | E.g. NVQ level 3 |
| Level 2 (usually one year) | E.g. GCSEs | E.g. BTEC level 2 qualifications | E.g. NVQ level 2 |
| Level 1 | Foundation Learning (can include a range of entry and level 1 qualifications) | Foundation Learning (can include a range of entry and level 1 qualifications) | Foundation Learning (can include a range of entry and level 1 qualifications) |
|
Entry level |
Foundation Learning (can include a range of entry and level 1 qualifications) | Foundation Learning (can include a range of entry and level 1 qualifications) | Foundation Learning (can include a range of entry and level 1 qualifications) |
We have divided qualifications into three types.
We’ve given examples of some of the most common qualifications in the table. You may come across others. For example, the International Baccalaureate Diploma is a level 3 academic qualification. Cambridge Technicals (CTECs) are general vocational qualifications. CACHE childcare qualifications, AAT accounting qualifications and City & Guilds qualifications are all vocational.
Academic qualifications
Academic qualifications are usually based in the classroom, involve a lot of theory and are mainly assessed by exams. They are offered by schools and colleges. Subjects available include English, maths, sciences, languages, arts subjects and humanities subjects.
A-levels are academic qualifications that are a popular choice for year 11 leavers. Usually, students study three or four subjects over two years. If you are interested in doing A-levels, you need high GCSE grades, including in English and maths. Always check exact entry requirements with the 6th forms or colleges you are interested in.
Most students go on to university after A-levels, but there are other options too.
General vocational qualifications
General vocational qualifications involve a mixture of practical and academic learning. They are offered by school and colleges, but colleges tend to offer a wider choice of subjects. The subjects available are related to broad job areas, e.g. business, performing arts, engineering, and health and social care. Usually, you study one subject.
BTECs are the most common type of general vocational qualification, but you may come across others like CTECs (Cambridge Technicals).
General vocational qualifications are offered at different levels, so year 11 leavers can progress to a level 1, 2 or 3 course, depending on GCSE grades. Level 1 and 2 courses take one year. Level 3 courses are equivalent to A-levels, take two years and generally require high GCSE grades. Always check exact entry requirements with the 6th forms or colleges you are interested in.
Level 3 general vocational qualifications are accepted by most universities for most courses (but not all, so do check the UCAS website, if you already have a university course in mind. There are also other options available after general vocational qualifications.
Vocational qualifications
Vocational qualifications involve training for a specific job, eg catering, hairdressing, construction, engineering, childcare or business admin. You can’t normally combine more than one subject / job area.
You can study them full-time at a college or other training centre. They can also be studied as part of an apprenticeship.
Vocational qualifications are offered at levels 1, 2, 3 and higher. Entry requirements can vary, so always check with the college or provider you are interested in.
Vocational qualifications can sometimes offer progression to university. There are also other pathways available, such as higher/degree level apprenticeships.
T Levels
T Levels are a recognised 2-year qualification. It is another option after GCSEs and equal to three A Levels.
T Levels prepare students for work by combining 80 per cent of their time in the classroom and 20 per cent at an industry placement. That is for at least 45 days.
Created by employers and businesses with over 250 businesses involved. The first T Levels started in 2020, and are available in selected schools and colleges in 10 career areas:
- Building Services Engineering for Construction
- Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
- Digital Business Services
- Digital Production, Design and Development
- Digital Support Services
- Education and Childcare
- Health
- Healthcare Science
- Onsite Construction
- Science
From September 2022 and 2023 more areas will be available. Including Finance, Engineering, Hairdressing, Barbering, Beauty Therapy and more. To search for a T Level and find out more on the T Level website. The T Level grades are
- pass
- merit
- distinction or distinction* with a distinction* (the same as 3 A levels at A*)
After completing a T Level, students can choose to continue studying after the course. Many universities recognise the qualification. Check universities accepting T Levels for entry. There is also the option of moving onto employment or an apprenticeship.
For students who are not ready to progress onto a T Level, from September 2022 there will be a one-year post-GCSE T Level Transition Programme to prepare students for a T Level. Speak to a T Level provider to find out more.