At each level there are qualifications for the different pathways, however, delivery methods can vary depending what you choose – e.g. if you do an apprenticeship most of your training will be in a workplace. Use the ladder below to see what's available at each level, and how the different routes compare.
Starts at Entry Level — scroll up to climb the ladder
| Level | Academic | Technical & Vocational | Apprenticeships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 8 | Doctorate | BTEC Professional Qualifications, City & Guilds, OCR, etc. | — |
| Level 7 | Masters, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate | BTEC Professional Qualifications, City & Guilds, OCR, etc. |
|
| Level 6 |
|
BTEC Professional Qualification, City & Guilds, OCR, etc. |
|
| Level 5 |
|
|
|
| Level 4 |
|
|
|
|
Level 4 and above is Higher Education
|
|||
| Level 3 |
|
|
|
| Level 2 |
|
Vocational qualifications – eg Level 2 – BTEC Certificate/Diploma, OCR/City & Guilds |
|
| Level 1 |
|
Vocational qualifications – eg Level 1 – BTEC Certificate/Diploma, OCR/City & Guilds | NVQ Level 1 |
| Entry Level | Entry Level qualifications | — | — |
Level 8
- Academic
- Doctorate
- Technical & Vocational
- BTEC Professional Qualifications, City & Guilds, OCR, etc.
- Apprenticeships
- —
Level 7
- Academic
- Masters, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
- Technical & Vocational
- BTEC Professional Qualifications, City & Guilds, OCR, etc.
- Apprenticeships
-
- Higher Apprenticeship
- Level 7 Apprenticeship
- NVQ Level 7
Level 6
- Academic
-
- 3rd Year Honours Degree
- Top‑up year to Honours Degree from a Foundation Degree/HNC/HND
- Technical & Vocational
- BTEC Professional Qualification, City & Guilds, OCR, etc.
- Apprenticeships
-
- 3rd Year Degree Apprenticeship
- Higher Apprenticeship
- NVQ Level 6
Level 5
- Academic
-
- 2nd Year Honours Degree
- Diploma of Higher Education
- Technical & Vocational
-
- BTEC Professional Qualifications, City & Guilds, OCR, etc.
- Foundation Degree Year 2
- HNDs
- Apprenticeships
-
- 2nd Year Degree Apprenticeship
- Higher Apprenticeship
- NVQ Level 5
Level 4
- Academic
-
- 1st Year Honours Degree
- Certificate of Higher Education
- Technical & Vocational
-
- BTEC Professional Qualifications, City & Guilds, OCR, etc.
- Foundation Degree Year 1
- HNCs
- Apprenticeships
-
- 1st Year Degree Apprenticeship
- Higher Apprenticeship
- NVQ Level 4
Level 4 and above is Higher Education
Level 3
- Academic
-
- A and AS Levels
- Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Open University Access Modules
- Technical & Vocational
-
- T Levels
- Vocational – Level 3 / BTEC, City & Guilds, Diploma, V Levels (new 2027), etc.
- Apprenticeships
-
- Advanced Apprenticeship
- NVQ Level 3
Level 2
- Academic
-
- GCSE Grades 4–9
- Maths / English / IT Functional Skills courses
- Technical & Vocational
- Vocational qualifications – eg Level 2 – BTEC Certificate/Diploma, OCR/City & Guilds
- Apprenticeships
-
- Intermediate Apprenticeship
- NVQ Level 2
Level 1
- Academic
-
- GCSE Grades 1–3
- Maths / English / IT Functional Skills courses
- Technical & Vocational
- Vocational qualifications – eg Level 1 – BTEC Certificate/Diploma, OCR/City & Guilds
- Apprenticeships
- NVQ Level 1
Entry Level
- Academic
- Entry Level qualifications
- Technical & Vocational
- —
- Apprenticeships
- —
The column headings stay put at the top of the table as you scroll, so you always know what you're looking at. On a small screen, you can also swipe sideways to see the Academic, Technical & Vocational and Apprenticeships columns.
Tips
Compare the Academic, Technical & Vocational and Apprenticeship columns side by side at each level to see how the different routes line up with each other.
When you are choosing your post‑16 options, find out what qualifications are on offer in school, at your local college and through training in work.
Always get advice on the best qualification to suit you and your future plans. Talk to your parents, teachers, tutors or a careers adviser.