Other qualifications (14+)

Diplomas

Diplomas offer a mix of classroom learning, creative thinking and hands-on experience – all designed to prepare you for wherever you want to go in life.

You'll probably consider either a Foundation or Higher Diploma. These may include Creative & Media, Engineering and Sport & Active Leisure.

Diplomas will be only be run in a small number of schools. If you want to study a diploma that is not available at your school, that’s not necessarily a problem! You can often study the rest of your subjects in your school, and travel to a different school nearby for one day a week to study the diploma.

Work-related learning

Work-related learning will suit you if you want a practical, hands-on course. There are a range of different courses, which usually involve learning away from school at a college/training centre or on a work placement. The number of days out of school per week varies. You can usually combine this with GCSE courses.

You can achieve qualifications, including NVQs and City & Guilds.

You need to have thought about what area of work you are interested before talking to your teachers about this option. Most schools/colleges have very limited places.

Young Achievers

Formerly known as 'Young Apprenticeships', this is a level 2 programme with practical activities completed at York College. Vocational areas currently offered include sport, hospitality, construction, engineering and motor vehicle maintenance. Not all schools offer this programme, and places are limited.

BTEC Level 2

This is available in some schools. An example of subjects available as BTECs is Applied Science. You will have continuous assessment over the two years of the course. A BTEC level 2 is worth the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at A*–C.