What do the different levels mean?

Foundation Learning
Whatever your starting point or previous level of education our Step Up Entry Level and Level 1 Vocational courses help develop your confi dence whilst you gain the skills you need to progress onto the next course level. If you have left school with GCSEs at grade E or below or you have some other entry level qualifi cations, there are lots of choices open to you. Depending on your interests you can take vocational options where you can study subjects such as gardening and horticulture, construction, hospitality and catering, working with
children, hairdressing and beauty therapy. If you have a clear idea of the career path you would like to follow
and you have achieved 3 GCSE’s at grade E to G, or an Entry Level 3 Diploma we offer Level 1 Vocational courses in Health and Social Care, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Hospitality and Catering, and Construction. Alongside your vocational course you will continue to study English and Mathematics. There will also be opportunities for
you to develop your Information Technology skills and our Personal and Social Development programme will help you to get you on track and prepare you for the next level of course or employment.

Intermediate Learning
Our Level 2 Vocational courses are practical based and are available in a wide range of work-related subject areas. You will develop skills and experience which refl ect the current and future workplace needs around a specific career path. If you have left school with 3 GCSEs at grade A-D or equivalent to include English, a vocational course may be for you. Courses are designed with employability in mind. We offer qualifications in Hospitality and Catering, Business, Health and Social Care, Hairdressing, Construction and Beauty Therapy. These courses
lead directly into employment or enable you to progress onto a Level 3 course in a related subject. Alongside your vocational course you will continue to study English and Mathematics if you have not gained an A - C grade in these prior to enrolling. Improving your English and Mathematics will help prepare you for the next level of course or employment.

Advanced Learning
We offer Level 3 Vocational courses in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy. You will develop the advanced techniques and experience required to gain employment in the hairdressing or beauty therapy sectors. If you have gained a Level 2 qualifi cation in Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy and achieved English grade A - C or equivalent and have aspirations to pursue a career as a hairdresser or beauty therapist these qualifi cations will help that process. A Level 3 qualifi cation will also help you if you wish to pursue university level study. These qualifi cations are respected within the hair and beauty industry and are proof that you have the right skills to do your job well. Alongside your vocational course if you have not gained an A - C grade in Mathematics you will continue to study Mathematics to prepare you for the next level of course or employment.

Students may also undertake other qualifications as part of their social and personal development. Some are listed below: