Qualifications
The qualifications landscape can be complex and often changing. Below are summaries of current available pathways.
Post‑13 Options (After Year 9) in BGGS for GCSE:
When starting to think about GCSE option choices, it is important that young people take into consideration, not just the actual subjects but also their wider interests, personal strengths, and options that these subjects can offer in the future.
Post‑16 Qualifications (After Year 11) in Sixth Forms or Colleges:
- A Levels – Academic, exam-based, two-year courses.
- AAQs – Alternative Academic Qualifications worth one A Level. Taken in combination with A levels
- T Levels – Career-focused qualifications with industry placements.
- BTECs – Practical, coursework-based qualifications still accepted by universities.
- V Levels – New qualifications being phased in over the next few years.
Post 18 (University & Higher Education)
UK Higher Education Qualifications
|
Level |
Qualification Type |
Examples |
|
Level 4 |
Higher Education Qualifications |
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) |
|
|
|
Higher National Certificate (HNC) |
|
|
|
Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) |
|
|
|
Level 4 Award / Certificate / Diploma / NVQ |
|
Level 5 |
Higher Education Qualifications |
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) |
|
|
|
Foundation Degree (FdA, FdSc, etc.) |
|
|
|
Higher National Diploma (HND) |
|
|
|
Level 5 Award / Certificate / Diploma / NVQ |
|
Level 6 |
Higher Education Qualifications |
Bachelor’s Degree with Honours (BA, BSc, etc.) |
|
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Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree (non‑honours) |
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Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma |
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Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) |
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|
Level 6 Award / Certificate / Diploma / NVQ |
|
Level 7 |
Postgraduate Qualifications |
Master’s Degree (MA, |
|
Level 8 |
Doctoral Level |
Doctorate (PhD, DPhil, EdD, etc.) [gov.uk] |
Useful Guides:
UCAS Parent & Carer Guide 2026: https://www.ucas.com/discover/advice-for-parents-guardians-and-carers/parent-guardian-and-carer-guide
Parent Guide to Qualifications: https://www.parentkind.org.uk/assets/resources/Parent-Exam-Guide-2025.pdf
Please do not hesitate to contact the school on our main number with any questions about careers.
