Education Progression Map
Download the below image to view progression routes related to each level of your education at Waltham Forest College.
Qualifications Definitions
Understanding qualifications can be a difficult task. The guide below outlines options that are available to you at College.
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BTEC
BTECs are specialist vocational qualifications that are valued by universities and employers. Level 3 BTEC Diplomas are the equivalent of two or three A-Levels, depending on the number of credits achieved.
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NVQ and VRQ
National Vocational Qualifications and Vocationally Related Qualifications are designed to offer a practical learning programme, giving students knowledge that directly relates to a specific job role.
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Pre-Access
Pre-Access courses are equivalent to GCSEs and are available to those who do not have traditional qualifications. Pre-Access gives you the literacy, numeracy, research and employability skills required to progress onto one of the College’s Access courses.
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Access
Level 3 Access programmes are available to students aged 19 or over who are looking to go to university but may not have the necessary qualifications. Access courses are equivalent to A-Levels and once finished you can progress to HNC/HND Level or university degree.
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HNC/HND
Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas (HND) are designed to teach practical skills for specific areas of work. A HNC is generally equivalent to the first year at university. The full HND qualification takes two years to complete and is generally the equivalent to two years at university. Students can then choose to progress onto university to gain a full degree qualification or step straight into employment.
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Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer you the opportunity to start paid work with an employer and study for a qualification alongside your job. We offer a number of apprenticeship programmes at the College.
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NCFE CACHE
The Council for Awards in Children’s Care and Education (CACHE) offers qualifications that are designed for people who would like a career in the care and education of children and young people.
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T Levels
The new T Levels will be commencing from 2020 and they are the new 2 year technical qualification at Level 3, which is equivalent to 3 A-Levels. T Levels will offer 15 vocational pathways and will be following the same standards as apprenticeships which will be externally assessed.
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EAL
EAL qualifications are recognised throughout the UK and the world, and are fine tuned to meet current and future industry needs.
Levels
Normal entry requirements:
No formal qualifications
Duration
Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 courses are up to 1 year-long
What’s next?
Level 1 course
Entry requirements (courses may vary)
4 GCSEs at Grades 1 to 2 (E to G) including Maths and English
Duration
Level 1 courses are 1 year-long
What’s next?
Level 2 course or an apprenticeship
Entry requirements (course may vary):
4 GCSEs at Grade 3 (D) including Maths and English or a pass/merit in a relevant Level 1 qualification
Duration:
Level 2 courses are 1 year-long
What’s next?
Level 3 course, an apprenticeship or employment
Entry requirements (courses may vary)
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above including Maths and English or a merit in a relevant Level 2 qualification
Duration
Level 3 courses can be up to 2 years long depending on the qualification you choose. Check the course details for more information
What’s next?
Higher education programmes at Level 4 and 5 (HNC/ HND), a degree at university, an advanced apprenticeship or employment
Entry Requirements
Relevant level 3 qualification (Access HE Diploma, BTEC level 3 (120 credits), 2 A-levels), GCSE English grade 4 (C) or level 2 equivalent, Level 1 Maths/Numeracy, Interview and assessment
Duration
One year (32 weeks)
What's next?
HND course, advance apprenticeship or employment
Entry Requirements
Relevant level 4 qualification, GCSE English grade 4 (C) or level 2 equivalent, Level 1 Maths/Numeracy, Interview and assessment
Duration
One year (32 weeks)
What's next?
Top-up degree at university, advance apprenticeship or employment
