Qualifications and Course Levels
There are many ways that young people can gain experience and knowledge, prepare themselves for the world of work and develop independence skills.
Academic Qualifications - a formal style of learning based more on theory than practical activities. Examples are GCSE's and A Levels.
Vocational Programmes - learning involving more practical activities. Examples are BTECs, NVQs and ASDAN.
Work Based Programmes - learning while in a working environment. This is a practical way to learn in real life day to day situations whilst working towards an industry related qualification. Examples are Supported Internships, Traineeships and Apprenticeships
Course Levels
|
Course levels and equivalent courses |
|
|
Level |
Equivalent to |
|
Pre-entry, Entries 1, 2, 3 and ASDAN |
First level courses in college to help you to become more independent or improve your life skills |
|
Level 1 |
GCSE Grade 4 |
|
Level 2 |
GCSE Grade 5 and above |
|
Level 3 |
A Level |
|
Level 4 |
First year of university |
All courses at level 4 and above (including foundation degree courses) are not funded through the local authority. Disabled Students Allowance funding is provided by the Higher Education Funding Council. Find out more by visiting GOV.UK.
Course Levels by Provider
The table below shows the course levels for further education offers in Bedford:-
|
Provider
|
Age range |
Needs |
Qualifications |
Further detail |
|
Bedford College Group: Foundation Skills Programme |
16-18 |
Young people requiring additional support to progress to further study or employment |
No entry requirements |
Access to a range of opportunities dependent on need including English/Maths, work preparation, vocational options, independent living skills. Provides stepping stone towards Level 2 |
|
Bedford College Group: Mainstream |
16-25 |
Young people with a range of SEND |
Level 2,3 |
Mainstream college courses |
|
Bedford College Group: Steps to Independence |
19+ |
Young people from local special schools |
Entry Level 1,2,3 |
Development of independence skills and engagement with local community |
|
Youth Inspired
|
16-25 |
Young people with LDD, autism and or mental health needs seeking an alternative to mainstream college placement |
Entry Level 1,2,3 Level 1 |
Bespoke programme with strong emphasis on personal development and communication |
|
Heywood House (Luton)
|
19 and above |
Young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties |
Pre-entry level Entry level |
Accredited educational programmes alongside health provision including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy |
|
SENSE Bedford
|
16-25 |
Young people with dual or single sensory impairments with complex needs |
Pre entry level (learning for life pathway) and range of accredited courses and supported internships |
Programmes focussed on communication and sensory skills and physical/emotional wellbeing |
|
Canto (Northampton)
|
16-25 |
Young people with a wide range of learning difficulties and disabilities including ASD |
Entry Level to Level 2 |
Functional skills (English,Maths,IT), vocational options and work placements. Will take students with challenging needs post 19 |
|
MacIntyre No Limits (Bedfordshire)
|
16 and above |
Young people with disabilities and complex additional needs including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs |
Up to Level 2 |
Recently developed provision. Operates through Milton Keynes College. Bespoke programme with a number of pathways. Works in partnership with local providers and with families |
|
Central Beds College
|
16 to 25 |
Young people with a range of different learning needs |
Pre Entry level, Entry level Level 1 |
Provides a range of vocational pathways |
|
Moulton College
|
16 to 25 |
Young people with a range of needs who may have previously attended special schools or alternative provision |
Entry Levels 1 to 3 |
Provides vocational programmes and supported internships |
|
SSG |
16 to 25 |
Young people who want to explore a variety of different sectors to better understand career options |
Levels 1-3 Access to Skills Academy at either Entry Level or Level 1 |
One year course Sports coaching (Level 2 and 3) ad skills academy (levels 1,2 and 3) |
|
ALTR-RISE
|
16-19 |
Young people with SEND or debilitating anxiety often from mainstream schools or ASC provisions |
Entry level to GCSE |
Provides a variety of programmes including functional skills, life skills and vocational skills. 1-3 year programme as a stepping stone to other provision |
|
RB Air
|
Pre 16 16-21 |
Young people with complex mental health needs |
Up to GCSE |
Reading age of 10+ as an entry requirement Curriculum on-line working towards face to face sessions |
|
Milton Keynes College
|
16 -19 Post 19 |
Young people with a range of SEND |
Level 2 |
Mainstream college courses |
|
Barnfield College (Luton)
|
16-19 |
Young people with a range of SEND |
Level 1 (for some subjects) Level 2 |
Mainstream college courses |