An A level is a General Certificate of Education (GCE) qualification that you would normally do at school or college after you have completed your GCSEs. A levels usually take two years to complete, although they can be fast-tracked in one year – usually by students over 18. A levels are seen as one of the major routes into higher education and employment. A levels are graded from A to E along with a fail grade, U - unclassified or ungraded.
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They are academic qualifications that are equivalent to half an A level qualification. They are made up of three units of study and are taken for one year. AS levels give students studying A levels the opportunity to take up to four subjects in their first year of post-16 study. At the end of the year they can either take AS levels in those subjects or continue to study them for a second year and then take A levels.

Students sometimes need same grade Ds at GCSE or in another qualification at level 1 to take a BTEC First Diploma.

They can be studied on their own or alongside A levels, allowing you to complete a varied and rounded set of qualifications. They are also flexible in how you choose to study, either full or part time, so that you can adapt them to your circumstances.

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Degrees usually take three or four years of full-time study but can often also be studied part-time. Honours degrees are graded as 1st, 2:1, 2:2 and 3rd. Normal degrees are either pass or fail.

Diplomas are offered at three levels:

1. Foundation Level — equivalent to four to five GCSEs at grades D to G
2. Higher Level — equivalent to five to seven GCSEs at grades A* to C, and
3. Advanced Level — equivalent to three or three and a half A levels

A Progression Diploma equivalent to two A levels will also be available. The Diplomas are going to be introduced gradually in 17 different subjects.
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Training programme for young people looking to get into further training or employment.

It is the type of learning or training that takes place after the age of 16, but before degree level. It can be full or part time, academic or vocational.

They were designed to be studied part-time while working, but they can also be studied full-time.

The GCSE was introduced in 1986 and replaced the O level and the CSE qualifications. GCSEs are usually 2 year courses. Most students take their final exams in Year 11 (when they are 15 or 16 years old). Coursework is often included in the final mark. Students who take GCSEs after year 11 usually complete the course in one year. GCSEs are graded from A* (highest attainment) to G (the lowest grade). Those who fail a course are given a U (unclassified) and that subject is not included on their certificates.

It is the type of learning that generally takes place after the age of 18. It is of a higher academic standard than A-level or National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3. It includes degree courses, postgraduate courses, and Higher National Diplomas. Higher education normally takes place in universities, higher education colleges, and in some further education colleges.

HNCs are similar to HNDs but at a slightly lower level. You can study them part-time alongside full-time employment.

HNDs are higher education qualifications available in a wide range of subjects (mainly vocational areas) at many institutes of higher education, universities and colleges of further education. Entry requirements are generally lower than those needed for degrees. They usually take two or three years of study.

Key skills can be awarded at level 1 through to level 4. They are Application of Number, Communication, Improving Own Learning and Performance, Information and Communication Technology, Problem Solving and Working with Others.

The National Qualifications Framework - NQF - sets out the level at which a qualification can be recognised. The framework groups together qualifications that place similar demands on you as a learner. However, within any one level, qualifications can cover a wide mix of subjects, and take different amounts of time to complete.

NVQs relate to the world of work and are usually taken at work or while in training. They are set by industry and business and are recognised nationally by employers. There are five levels of NVQ. Most young people begin at level 1, 2 or 3. In some cases, students

It gives you information about all learning options in Years 10 and 11, and also what you can go on to after Year 11. It has a lot of information about education and training courses including entry requirements, what you will study on the course, assessment methods, and what the course can lead to.

They tend to be practical and skills-focused, and many include work-related projects or work experience. Assessment of vocational courses is on a continuous basis and students are required to complete practical tasks and assignments throughout the year.

In September 2002 eight GCSEs in vocational subjects were introduced. These related o work in particular vocation areas and were designed to enable students to gain insight into the world of work. The subjects are Applied Art and Design, Applied Business, Applied ICT, Applied Science, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Leisure and Tourism and Manufacturing.

Young Apprenticeships are only running in some areas of the country.