Vocational Qualifications vs A Levels

Vocational qualifications are an alternative to A levels and a viable route to university. Despite common misconceptions, these qualifications are just as valuable as A level qualifications and are highly regarded by many universities and employers alike. Vocational qualifications are perfect for students who know exactly what they want to do, are passionate about their favourite subject and can’t wait to get stuck in.

Benefits of vocational qualifications:

• Students can connect with industry experts. • Students gain industry insight from guest lectures, placements, live projects and more. • Students gain the practical skills and experience demanded by employers. • Students experience focused teaching around their chosen subject. • Students train in specialised facilities reflecting real-world environments. • Students are taught by tutors with real industry experience. • Our vocational qualifications have built-in academic skills modules to support progression to further study, higher education, apprenticeships or employment. • Many vocational qualifications emphasise coursework over exams. • Many vocational qualifications are built around industry needs. • Some vocational qualifications provide more UCAS points than

A levels.

PC Mohammed Akash

Police service

Kamil Price

Studying Youth Work and Community Development at Derby University

High School

Roundhay High School “The Public Service students were a great bunch of people to meet. As a former student and now a serving Police Officer, I was invited back by the Public Service teachers to work with the students on their careers unit and encouraged them to take part in mock police interviews. They were keen to learn about my role as a police officer, and take the opportunity to ask questions to further their pathway into my chosen career. They’re a great bunch who certainly have the ambition to succeed.”

“I finished the Public Services course in summer 2019 and the next step was to get into university. I wasn’t full of hope about getting a place but with support from the tutors I managed to secure one. The tutors also helped me to up my educational skills before going into higher education. I also volunteered with CATCH alongside my studies. Without the support and guidance from college, I don’t think I would have gotten into a university.”