KS4 Options Booklet 2026-2028 - Flipbook - Page 12
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Appendix: The National Qualification Framework
Qualifications are a vital element in the passport to our working world. However certain or uncertain
young people are about what they want to do in the future, qualifications will help them achieve their
goals and keep doors open along the way.
Qualifications in the National Framework are arranged in eight levels. The higher the level, the greater the
depth of knowledge, skills and understanding that has to be demonstrated for the qualifications to be
gained. Courses leading to different qualifications will vary in content, learning styles and methods of
assessment.
Level
Entry
(levels 1-3)
1
RMS working
with these
qualifications
2
RMS working
with these
qualifications
3
Qualification examples
Entry Level Award, Certificate, Diploma
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Skills for Life
Functional Skills (English, Mathematics, ICT)
Essential Skills
GCSEs Grades 1-3
Award, Certificate, Diploma (City & Guilds, CACHE, OCR, Edexcel/Pearson1)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
NVQ Level 1
First Certificate
Functional Skills
Essential Skills
Music (ABRSM Grades 1-3)
GCSEs Grades 4-9
Award, Certificate, Diploma (City & Guilds, CACHE, OCR, Edexcel/Pearson1)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
NVQ Level 2
National Certificate/Diploma
Intermediate Apprenticeship2
Functional Skills
Essential Skills
Music (ABRSM Grades 4-5)
A Levels (Grades A-E)
T Levels
AS Levels
Award, Certificate, Diploma (City & Guilds, CACHE, OCR, BTEC/Edexcel/Pearson1)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Access to Higher Education Diploma
Foundation Diploma (Art and Design)
NVQ Level 3
Advanced Apprenticeship2
National Certificate/Diploma
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Music (Grades 6-8)
