In total there are 9 qualification levels. Level 4 or above is described as ‘ Higher Education’. If you are able to access Higher Education it is deemed that you do not require the additional support or provision that is available through an EHC plan. The list below identifies possible qualifications from Entry level up to level 3.
Entry Level
Each entry level qualification is available at three sub-levels - 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult.
Entry level qualifications are:
- entry level award
- entry level certificate (ELC)
- entry level diploma
- entry level English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- entry level essential skills
- entry level functional skills
- Skills for Life
Level 1
Level 1 qualifications are:
- first certificate
- GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G
- level 1 award
- level 1 certificate
- level 1 diploma
- level 1 ESOL
- level 1 essential skills
- level 1 functional skills
- level 1 national vocational qualification (NVQ)
- music grades 1, 2 and 3
Level 2
Level 2 qualifications are:
- CSE - grade 1
- GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C
- intermediate apprenticeship
- level 2 award
- level 2 certificate
- level 2 diploma
- level 2 ESOL
- level 2 essential skills
- level 2 functional skills
- level 2 national certificate
- level 2 national diploma
- level 2 NVQ
- music grades 4 and 5
- O level - grade A, B or C
Level 3
Level 3 qualifications are:
- A level
- Access to Higher Education diploma
- Advanced apprenticeship
- Applied general
- AS level
- International Baccalaureate diploma
- Level 3 award
- Level 3 certificate
- Level 3 diploma
- Level 3 ESOL
- Level 3 national certificate
- Level 3 national diploma
- Level 3 NVQ
- Music grades 6, 7 and 8
- T Level
- Tech level