6. Pathways and Levels of Education and Training
Whatever your child chooses to do in life, there is likely to be a qualification and a pathway to help them do it. In many cases there may be a choice of pathways to the same career. Encourage them to look at the options available and choose the one that will help them succeed.
The table provides an overview of options at different levels. It is important to remember that qualifications at the same level have similar demands and degrees of difficulty.
| LEVEL | ACADEMIC | GENERAL VOCATIONAL | TECHNICAL LEVEL | APPRENTICESHIPS |
| Levels 4-6 | Degrees, Foundation degrees |
Higher National Diplomas | Professional/ Management qualifications |
Higher and Degree Apprenticeship |
| Level 3 (advanced) |
International Baccalaureate A Level and AS Level (Entry = 5/6 GCSEs A*-C minimum) |
BTEC Level 3 National OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical (Entry = 4 GCSEs A*-C or Level 2 qualification) |
Level 3 NVQs and Vocational Awards (Entry = 4 GCSEs A*-C or Level 2 qualification) |
Advanced Apprenticeship (Entry = 4 GCSEs A*-C or Level 2 qualification + interview) |
| Level 2 (intermediate) |
GCSEs A*-C | BTEC Level 2 (Entry = 4 GCSEs D+ and a school report or Level 1 qualification) |
Level 2 NVQ City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate and Vocational Awards (Entry = less than 4 GCSEs A*-C or Level 1 qualification or assessment) |
Intermediate Apprenticeship (Entry = GCSEs at D+ or Level 1 qualification + interview) |
| Level 1 (foundation) |
GCSEs D-G | BTEC Level 1 Cambridge Nationals (Entry = interview or assessment) |
Level 1 NVQs and Vocational Awards (Entry = interview or assessment) |
Traineeship or Pre- Apprenticeship (Entry = interview or assessment) |
