What is progression in education and how many levels are there to progress through?
Progression in education starts at entry level and the highest level that can be achieved is level 8. There are different routes you can take through these levels and many different types of qualification.
Levels in education start at entry level which usually include basic skills courses, along with skills for life courses and basic languages.
Many of you will be studying for GCSEs. A GCSE at grade D-G is level 1 and at grade A*-C is level 2. There are also other types of qualifications at these levels such as BTECs (vocational) and NVQs (work based learning). With any of these qualifications you can progress onto level 3.
Many of you will be familiar with A levels which is a level 3 qualification. However, did you know there are other level 3 qualifications such as Apprenticeships, Vocational Certificates and the New Diploma.
With any level 3 qualifications you can normally progress onto a degree, either by starting on a level 4 or level 5 qualification such as a foundation degree or going straight in at level 6. Achieving a level 6 qualification will give you an Honours Degree. As a graduate there are a number of career opportunities open to you. You could even go on to become a master or a doctor in a subject by staying on to achieve the highest levels of 7 and 8.
Please note: you will normally progress within the same subject area e.g. health, if you wish to change the subject area you are studying in you may have to start at a lower level. Always check the course entry requirements and speak to the course provider if you are not sure.
What are the three main types of learning?
These courses will allow you to work whilst you learn normally either as an apprentice and/or studying an NVQ. You normally get paid an apprentice wage and will have an allocated time each week when you will visit your learning provider (e.g. college). For some examples of work based learning courses that people have studied visit our case studies.
These are courses based at a college or learning provider but will provide more practical and career oriented learning. For example you could study a BTEC in construction and half of the time you might be in the classroom whilst the rest of your time might be spent learning the practical aspects of brickwork, carpentry and painting and decorating.
General Academic
These are probably the courses that are most familiar to you. They include GCSEs and A levels. These are studied in a classroom based environment although may have some practical elements to them.
*The new diploma is a combination of vocational and general academic study.
You can change your learning type at any time, e.g. if you have a BTEC or NVQs at Level 2 you can go on to study A levels. You don’t have to stay on one route!