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Qualifications Explained

Choosing the right qualification can be daunting with various levels and types available. We provide detailed information about our qualifications to help you make informed decisions.

We still advise you to check specific entry requirements for the course you are interested in before applying as they may vary. We review all applications to ensure the right fit. If you are unsure, contact us for advice before applying, or attend one of our Open Days to speak with our tutors and Admissions team, explore campuses, and get a feel for the College.

We are here to support you in choosing the best path for your abilities and goals. Trust us to guide you through your educational journey.

Visit us at our next Open Day

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Qualification LevelDetailsEntry RequirementsQualification Types
Entry LevelEncourages independence and teaches new skillsAssessment and interviewEntry Level Award
Entry Level Certificate
Entry Level Diploma
Entry Level Essential Skills
Level 1Practical introduction to a vocational area. Prepares you for intermediate level.Two GCSEs (at grade 2 or above) including English, Maths or ScienceLevel 1 Award
Level 1 Certificate
Level 1 Diploma
Level 1 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
Level 2Builds on Level 1 or personal/work experienceFour GCSEs (at grade 3 or above) including English, Maths or ScienceLevel 2 Technical Award
Level 2 Certificate
Level 2 Technical Diploma
Level 2 National Certificate
Level 2 National Diploma
Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Apprenticeship Standard
Level 3Equivalent to A levelsFive GCSEs (at grade 5 or above) including English, Maths or ScienceLevel 3 Technical Award
Level 3 Certificate
Level 3 Technical Diploma
Level 3 National Certificate
Level 3 National Diploma
Level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
Level 4A bridge between Level 3 and Level 5, helping you to gain a higher level of understandingLevel 3 completion or equivalentHigher Apprenticeship
Level 4 Award
Level 4 Certificate
Level 4 Diploma
Level 5Studied after Level 4 and leads to higher educationLevel 4 completion or equivalentLevel 5 Diploma
Level 5 Certificate
Level 5 Award
Level 5 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
Higher National Diploma (Foundation) Degree
ApprenticeshipsTrain whilst working full-time, combining college learning (20%) with workplace practice (80%)Depends on the employer and programmeApprenticeship Standard
Higher Apprenticeship
T LevelsEquivalent to three A levels. Combine classroom learning (80%) with an industry placement (20%)  
Certificates and workshopsAn informal qualification, with a Certificate of Attendance gained upon completionNone 

Entry Level

Encourages independence and teaches new skills.

Entry Requirements: Assessment and interview

Qualification Types:

  • Entry Level Award
  • Entry Level Certificate
  • Entry Level Diploma
  • Entry Level Essential Skills

Level 1

A practical introduction to a vocational area, preparing you for intermediate level.

Entry Requirements: Two GCSEs (at grade 2 or above) including English, Maths or Science

Qualification Types:

  • Level 1 Award
  • Level 1 Certificate
  • Level 1 Diploma
  • Level 1 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

Level 2

Builds on Level 1 or personal/work experience.

Entry Requirements: Four GCSEs (at grade 3 or above) including English, Maths or Science

Qualification Types:

  • Level 2 Technical Award
  • Level 2 Certificate
  • Level 2 Technical Diploma
  • Level 2 National Diploma
  • Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

Level 3

The equivalent to A-levels.

Entry Requirements: Five GCSEs (at grade 5 or above) including English, Maths or Science

Qualification Types:

  • Level 3 Technical Award
  • Level 3 Certificate
  • Level 3 Technical Diploma
  • Level 3 National Certificate
  • Level 3 National Diploma
  • Level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

Level 4

A bridge between Level 3 and Level 5, helping you gain a higher level of understanding.

Entry Requirements: Level 3 completion or equivalent

Qualification Types: 

  • Higher Apprenticeship
  • Level 4 Award
  • Level 4 Certificate
  • Level 4 Diploma

Level 5

Studied after Level 4 and leads to Higher Education.

Entry Requirements: Level 4 completion or equivalent

Qualification Types:

  • Level 5 Diploma
  • Level 5 Certificate
  • Level 5 Award
  • Level 5 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
  • Higher National Diploma (Foundation) Degree

Apprenticeships

Train whilst working full-time, combining college learning with workplace practice.

Entry Requirements: Dependant on the employer and programme

Certificates and workshops

An informal qualification with a Certificate of Attendance gained upon completion.

Entry Requirements: None

Potential Careers at Each Level

Arboriculture: Chainsaw operative, forester

Animal Management/Agriculture/Wildlife and Environmental Conservation: Farm hand, kennel assistant, pet store assistant, cattery assistant

Floristry and Event Styling: Retail florist, hotel florist, freelance florist, flower grower, floral or balloon decoration designer

Horticulture/Landscaping/Garden Design: Small-scale garden designer, border designer, trainee landscaper

Arboriculture: Tree surgeon, tree surveyor

Animal Management/Agriculture/Wildlife and Environmental Conservation: Wildlife Trust assistant, veterinary assistant, animal charity assistant, animal technician

Floristry and Event Styling: Events exhibition designer, event decorator, event stylist, balloon artist, 

Horticulture/Landscaping/Garden Design: Botanical artist, horticulture social media writer, planting designer, garden designer

Arboriculture: Forestry manager, tree officer, forestry machine operator

Animal Management/Agriculture/Wildlife and Environmental Conservation: Animal nutritionist, kennel and cattery manager, rescue centre manager, assistant zookeeper

Floristry and Event Styling: Visual merchandiser, business owner, event manager, tutor and demonstrator

Horticulture/Landscaping/Garden Design: Landscape manager, inspector for plant health, teacher of garden design

Leatherwork/Saddlery: Footwear designer, costume maker, leather technologist

Animal Management: Livestock manager, conservation scientist, zookeeper, ecologist, wildlife rescue manager

Leatherwork/Shoemaking: Master saddler, upholsterer, production manager

Animal Management: Education officer, farm manager, wildlife rehabilitator, researcher, zoologist

Leatherwork/Shoemaking: Master saddler, upholsterer, production manager