Entry Level

If you want to gain a nationally-recognised qualification, but don't feel ready for GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, an Entry Level course could be ideal for you. It will help you to improve your basic skills, knowledge and confidence. Most of our Entry Level pathways allow you to start focussing on a vocational area to build up your skills for the workplace and start laying the foundations for your future employability. We also help you plug any gaps in your English and Maths as these are essential skills employers look for. There are no formal entry requirements.

Level 1

Level 1 courses will help you to build your skills, knowledge and confidence to go out to work or to progress to Level 2 study. At this level you are concentrating on a vocational area and further developing your English and Maths alongside your vocational skills. A qualification at this level is equivalent to a GCSE Grade D - G. There are often no formal entry requirements.

Level 2

A Level 2 course involves a range of work activities and requires you to take individual responsibility for your studies. Level 2 qualifications, apart from GCSEs, are focused on one vocational area and all include further study of English and Maths to ensure you are developing the relevant skills for the workplace. To be accepted onto a Level 2 course, you will be able to demonstrate good English and Maths skills, and would normally need a range of GCSE D-G passes.

Level 3

Level 3 courses include A level courses, Access courses, Extended Diplomas, Diplomas, Subsidiary Diplomas and Certificates. To be accepted onto a Level 3 course, you will usually need to have achieved Level 2 qualifications, for example five GCSEs A*- C or a Level 2 Diploma. To join the AS and A level programmes you will need at least 35 points from seven GCSE subjects, including English and Maths. Check we use points. Students with Level 3 qualifications are able to progress to university, to an advanced Apprenticeship or into other employment.

Progression routes

Many of Reading College students are ambitious and choose to progress to higher level qualifications before they leave college. School leavers are entitled to free education until aged 19 and many take advantage of this to give them the best chance of finding work or a university course.