Find your level

The following table shows the general entry requirements for different levels and the types of learning available. Please check our website for course-specific or additional entry requirements.

Foundation/Entry Level

Vocational pathways English

Maths Skills for employment No formal qualifications are required for Foundation Level courses. What next: Progress to Level 1, Level 2 or technical/vocational qualification.

Foundation/Level 1

Vocational pathways English

Maths Skills for employment Four grade 2s at GCSE, normally including English Language and Maths at grade 2 or above. What next: Progress to Level 2, technical/vocational qualification or an intermediate apprenticeship.

Level 2

Intermediate apprenticeships

Technical/vocational qualifications Three grade 3s at GCSE or a Level 1 qualification at Merit grade as well as English Language and Maths at grade 3 or above. What next: Progress to a Level 3 course or advanced apprenticeship.

Level 3

A Levels* (Five grade 4 passes at GCSE including maths and English Language) Advanced Apprenticeships Technical/vocational qualifications

Five grade 4s at GCSE or full Level 2 qualification at merit grade as well as English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above. What next: Progress into higher education, higher apprenticeship or employment.

* Entry requirements for some A Levels specify higher GCSE grades.

Level 4

HNC/HND Foundation Degrees

BA Hons B(Eng) Entry to Level 4 programmes is subject to the UCAS points system for full-time study. All entry requirements are available on our website. What next: Progress into employment or on to further study.