- Entry Level Award
- Entry Level Certificate/ Diploma
- Entry Level Functional Skills
There are no set entry requirements
Entry level is split into 1, 2 and 3. Level 3 is the hardest.
Guide to qualifications at 16+
Qualifications are grouped into 8 levels. The level tells you how difficult the study is and what entry requirements to expect. If your young person does well, they can move up to the next level.
For more information about the options outlined below please visit types of further education courses.
Entry Level
Level 1
- GCSE Grades 3 to 1
- BTEC Level 1
- NVQ 1
- Supported Internships
- Normally GCSE grades 2 to 1 or equivalent
Level 2
- GCSE Grades 9 to 4
- BTEC First
- NVQ2
- CACHE Level 2
- Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Normally GCSE grades 3 or equivalent
Level 3
- A Level AS Level
- BTEC National
- Advanced Apprenticeship NVQ 3
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- Level 3 Cambridge Technicals
- T Levels
- V Levels (starting from September 2027)
Entry requirements:
- Normally at least 4 to 6 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (or equivalent), including English and often maths
- Some subjects require grades 9 to 5/9 to 6
Level 4 to 6
- Degree, Foundation Degree, HND, Higher/ Degree Apprenticeship
- Normally qualifications at Level 3
Level 7 to 8 (Postgraduate)
Master’s degree or Doctoral degree (PHD)