UK Information - Public Examinations and Qualifications
Public
Examinations and Qualifications
General Certificate of
Secondary Education
GCSEs are usually taken at age 15 to 16 in a wide range of subjects. Grades are
issued on a scale from A* to G (A* being the highest grade) and are based on assessment
throughout the course with an examination at the end of the course.
Advanced Level
GCE A-levels are assessed mainly by an examination at the end of the
course and are usually taken by those who are 18 years or over.
Advanced Supplementary
Level
GCE AS levels are the same standard as A-levels but cover less content and were
introduced to help pupils increase the breadth of their education by covering more
subjects.
Many pupils continue with
further education either at school or move to a Further Education Institution such as a
college. Although most pupils taking vocational courses go to College, schools are
increasingly offering a range of vocational as well as academic subjects.
Pupils wishing to study at
a higher educational level usually transfer to a Higher Education institution (College or
University) at age 18 years.
General National
Vocational Qualification
GNVQs combine general and vocational education with employment and are based on
skills required by employers along with the development and understanding of skills needed
in vocational areas, including business, health & social care and engineering.
National Vocational
Qualification
NVQs (SVQs in Scotland) are based on skills, knowledge and competencies
required by specific occupations and set out by industry defined standards. A number of
standards are used to assess NVQs, including observations within the workplace, oral
questioning, practical and written questioning and assignments.
Higher National
Certificates and Higher National Diplomas
HNCs and HNDs are modular courses of vocational study mostly taken at college or
school.
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