Further information

Guidance on external qualifications for all under 19-year-olds

Entry level

Entry level qualifications are the first tier in the national qualifications framework and are broadly aligned with levels 1 to 3 of the National Curriculum.

They accredit achievements below GCSE grade G and NVQ level 1 and provide progression towards these.

Only pupils who are not yet able to achieve at least GCSE grade G or NVQ level 1 should be entered for entry level qualifications.

Key skills

Key skills in communication, application of number and IT are approved for use by pupils of compulsory school age.

Schools must provide the full National Curriculum programmes of study in English and maths for all pupils.

The wider key skills of improving one’s own learning and performance, problem-solving and working with others, aren’t accredited as qualifications in their own right and don’t require approval under the Act.

It’s recommended that the unit specifications continue to be used in the curriculum and for certification to complement mainstream programmes or other provision such as the ASDAN Youth Awards, or Duke of Edinburgh Awards.