Education levels explained

What you will learn

You will build basic skills, knowledge and confidence to progress

Qualifications you can achieve

GCSEs (grade 3 – 1), City & Guilds 1, NVQ 1, BTEC Introductory Diploma

Qualifications you need

No qualifications or previous experience required

What you will learn

As an introduction to the subject, Level 1 is designed for students wanting to progress to a Level 2 qualification and need to improve their English, maths or IT skills

Qualifications you can achieve

GCSEs (grade 3 – 1), City & Guilds 1, NVQ 1, BTEC Introductory Diploma

Qualifications you need

At least three GCSEs at grade 2 or 1, or a Merit or Distinction**

What you will learn

Building your foundations on the subject matter, Level 2 is designed for students wanting to progress to a level 3 qualification, apprenticeship or employment.

Qualifications you can achieve

GCSEs, City & Guilds 2, NVQ 2, Cambridge Technical 2, BTEC First Diploma, Apprenticeship*

Qualifications you need

At least three GCSEs at grade 3 or 2, or a Merit or Distinction at Level 1**

What you will learn

Taking your subject knowledge and skills further, Level 3 is designed for students wanting to progress to university, further education, apply for an apprenticeship, or start employment in the relevant subject / sector. You must have experience or demonstrate a passion for the subject.

Qualifications you can achieve

City & Guilds 3, NVQ 3, Cambridge Technical 3, BTEC First Diploma, Apprenticeships*

Qualifications you need

At least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or a Merit or Distinction at Level 2.

What you will learn

Mastering your craft, at university or college, you will learn more about the subject and enhance the employability skills you learnt from Totton College to shape your professional portfolio.

Qualifications you can achieve

Degree, Degree apprenticeships, Higher education levels (level 4 and above)

Qualifications you need 

Will vary depending on the entry requirements of the institution and the course studied

Entry Level or a Level 1, 2 or 3 qualification such as BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, 90 Credit Diploma, Diploma, Extended Diploma, Cambridge Technical, City & Guilds or other professional qualification that provides the main focus of your study programme. 

If you are aged 16-18 at the start of your programme and haven’t achieved a GCSE grade 5 (previously grade C) or above in English and maths then these classes will be a key part of your study programme. Our teachers will work with you to achieve better grades, which will help you progress to the next stage of your education or your chosen career. 

At Totton College, we know how important it is to combine practical work placements and work-focused activities with classroom-based study, so there will be plenty of opportunity for you to develop your work experience while you are studying with us as work experience can broaden your skills and experiences for your professional and personal development. Some study programmes dedicate a particular day each week to work-focused activities while others embed block placements into the academic year. Our specialist work experience coordinators will help you find a placement to complement your study programme. 

Our courses will help you hone the employability skills employers are actively searching for. We will ensure you have access to the knowledge and expertise you need to achieve your career goals and help you develop your skillset to go further in your education. 

To support your learning, you will also have the opportunity to take part in additional activities such as directed study time, e-learning, trips, events, additional qualifications and support with job and further study applications. Not only will it look good on your CV, but it will also enhance your professional and personal development through a wide range of activities.