Qualification Levels

Confused about A-levels and awards? Let us explain.

We understand that it can be difficult to understand all the different qualifications, their meanings, equivalents and potential pathways. Whether you're just starting or further along on your journey, we've got you covered with an in-depth explanation of the UK's education levels to guide your next steps.

How many education levels are there?

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there are eight education levels, plus an entry level, to kickstart your learning journey, all neatly organised by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Meanwhile, there are twelve different education levels in Scotland, each thoughtfully outlined by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

RQF

The Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) is like the mastermind behind the scenes, officially structuring the educational landscape in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This innovative framework made its grand entrance in 2015, essentially merging the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) into a unified system.

Entry level qualifications

Entry-level qualifications serve as the fundamental building blocks of education, typically serving as an introduction. They are not typically mandatory.

These entry-level qualifications fall into three distinct sub-categories, each progressively more challenging: entry levels 1, 2, and 3. Some examples of entry-level qualifications:

entry-level functional or essential skills
entry-level awards and diplomas
entry-level certificates (ELCs)
entry-level English for non-native speakers (ESOL)
skills for life

These are ideal for anyone eager to explore a new subject or language and those aspiring to step into formal education.

For those aged 15-16 or anyone wanting to continue their education, remember that you don't always need to finish an entry-level qualification to move on to Level 1.