We appreciate that the world of education can be filled with jargon that can be seen as confusing.  This part of the prospectus aims to demystify this jargon.  The table below highlights the different types of qualifications at different levels of the English qualification framework.

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There are also a range of different qualifications for school leavers.  The main types of qualifications include:

GCSE

Predominantly offered in schools but they constitute a large part of a college’s offer, too.  These qualifications tend to be more academic in their focus and are assessed via coursework and examinations.  Grades D to G are at level 1 with A* to C at level 2.

Advanced Level (AS/A2)

These qualifications are academic in focus and are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams.  Students tend to follow a subject at the AS level first and then move onto A2 – both of which are at level 3.

National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

As the name suggests, these qualifications are vocational in focus and are assessed via the generation of evidence which is usually presented in a portfolio.  Students following these qualifications tend to be in employment and the evidence for the portfolio is generated from workplace activities.  NVQs are offered from level 1 to level 5 in a wide range of vocational areas.

BTEC

These qualifications are predominantly vocational in nature but many combine an academic element.  Unlike NVQs, these qualifications are predominantly assessed via coursework and they are offered at levels 1, 2 and 3.

Apprenticeship

Hartlepool College is the largest apprenticeship training provider in the Tees Valley and Durham* with a range of engineering frameworks on offer. For many regional companies Hartlepool College offers a bespoke recruitment service incorporating literacy, numeracy, aptitude and skills testing, interview preparation techniques and an extended advisory and support service. Apprenticeships are delivered at Level 2 (Intermediate Apprenticeship) and Level 3 (Advanced Apprenticeship).

To see a full range of the types of Apprenticeships we offer click here