What are Entry Level Certificates?

• ELCs are primarily targeted at 14- to 16-year-old students who are working at a level below that required for a Grade G at GCSE.
   
• However, they are designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners, including adults seeking to improve their basic skills or to return to employment after a long break, and people with learning difficulties.
   
• To allow small steps of achievement to be recognised, entry level is divided into three sub-levels: entry 1, entry 2 and entry 3. These sub-levels are broadly comparable with National Curriculum levels 1, 2 and 3.
    
• Entry Level is the first level of the National Qualifications Framework, beneath foundation or level 1. 
    
• All Entry Level qualifications are therefore below a GCSE grade G, NVQ level 1 or level 1 vocational qualification. 
   
• Students can progress from Entry Level to GCSE courses. Entry 3 courses are designed to help students progress to related level 1 qualifications. 
   
• Many certificates are made up of a number of units that are assessed separately to encourage students by recognising small steps of achievement.

What choices are available?

• In addition to core National Curriculum subjects such as English, Science and Maths, we offer Entry Level Certificates in a range of subjects including Design and Technology, Spanish and Physical Education.

How are Entry Level Certificates assessed?

• Entry Level qualifications are assessed by a mixture of assignments set by Edexcel and internally set classwork.

    
Visit the Entry Level Certificate area of the website for more information.