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 to 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 learners will be familiar with 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 a learner can progress onto level 3.
Many learners will be familiar with A levels which is a level 3 qualification. However, there are other level 3 qualifications such as Apprenticeships, Vocational Certificates and the New Diploma.
With any level 3 qualifications a learner 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 the learner an Honours Degree. As a graduate there are a number of career opportunities. Learners can 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: normally progression is within the same subject area e.g. health, if a learner wishes to change the subject area they are studying in they may have to start at a lower level. They should always check the course entry requirements and speak to the course provider if unsure.
What are the three main types of learning?
These courses allow learners to work whilst they learn, normally either as an apprentice and/or studying an NVQ. Learners normally get paid an apprentice wage and will have an allocated time each week when they will visit a 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 a learner could study a BTEC in construction and half of the time they might be in the classroom whilst the rest of the time might be spent learning the practical aspects of brickwork, carpentry and painting and decorating.
These are probably the courses that are most familiar to learners. 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.
Learners can change their learning type at any time, e.g. if they have a BTEC or NVQs at Level 2 they can go on to study A levels. They don’t have to stay on one route!