For 16-18 year olds. A Levels, or Advanced Level qualifications, are academic qualifications that are usually studied over two years after completing GCSE exams. A Levels attract UCAS points and are accepted by university admissions both in the UK and internationally. Students usually select A Level subjects to study based on their interests, university requirements or what they want to do as a job. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and can include those studied at school such as English, maths, biology, geography as well as law, economics and psychology. A Levels can sometimes be combined with a vocational study programme such as Sports Science, Criminology or IT. Each A Level consists of modules (or units of study) and will usually include a mix of essays, coursework and exams. At the end of the qualification, students will receive a grade from A* to E.

For 16-18 year olds. T Levels or Technical Levels are technical qualifications that have been endorsed by business leaders and designed to get you work-ready. Depending on the T Level route, you’ll spend a minimum of 45-days (315 hours) working in industry to get the skills and experience that employers are looking for. T Levels are a Level 3 qualification, so the same level as an A Level or a Level 3 vocational study programme. Students achieving the very top grade in their T Level qualification will have the equivalent of three A*s at A Level – or 168 UCAS points. After successfully completing your T Level you can progress to employment, an apprenticeship, university or other higher education.

For 16-18 year olds. These programmes are practical and hands-on and are studied after GCSEs. They equip you with the skills and knowledge in one subject area. They include lots of different qualification types such as NVQs, BTECs, City & Guilds and UAL Diplomas and can be studied full time at entry level (introductory) up to level 3 (the same level as A Levels). Most programmes include dedicated work experience as well as lots of contact with employers. When you finish you can progress to university, an apprenticeship or into work.

For 16-18 year olds and adults. You can study English and maths GCSEs at college, either as part of a vocational study programme if you need to improve your grades, or on a part time or evening basis as an adult. GCSEs are a level 2 qualification.

For adults. This one year, intensive level 3 course gives you the grades and UCAS points needed to get into university. If you want a job that requires a degree, such as midwifery, nursing or teaching, these courses allow you to top up your existing qualifications to meet university entry requirements.

For adults. HTQs are made up of Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Level 5 Higher National Diplomas. They are a dynamic way of learning heavily influenced by what the skills employers say they need. Course content is based on practical, hands-on learning rather than theoretical content and most of our courses come with an employer sponsor and associated partners who are directly involved in delivery.

For adults. Skills Bootcamps are a set of training courses designed to help individuals build specific, job relevant skills, and for businesses to upskill their workforce. They are short, intensive courses, sometimes delivered online. Courses can last up to 16 weeks and focus on different aspects of one particular industry. Each course leads to an interview with a local employer relevant to the subject of study.

You can study an apprenticeship at any age; straight after GCSEs or later in your career as an adult. Apprenticeships are a mix of training and work; you’ll have a job with an employer being trained in a specific role for which you’ll be paid. You’ll also spend time at college, building skills and knowledge connected to your job role. This could be one day a week or over several weeks at a time, sometimes called ‘block release’. You apply for an apprenticeship in a similar way to applying for a job. The amount you get paid varies depending on the position and will be advertised with the apprenticeship vacancy.

For those over 18, a higher apprenticeship is a full-time job that includes studying. The study can be at a college, a university, the office, through distance learning or online. Like all apprenticeships, this programme allows you to receive a salary while the employer and the government cover the expenses of your education and training. Higher apprenticeships range from level 4 to level 7. You apply for a higher apprenticeship in a similar way to applying for a job. The amount you get paid varies depending on the position and the employer and will be advertised with the vacancy.