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Entry level

Entry level is the first level in the national qualifications framework, sitting below foundation or level 1. All entry level qualifications are therefore pitched below grade G of a GCSE, NVQ level 1 or vocational qualifications at level 1.

In order to allow small steps of achievement to be recognised, entry level is sub-divided into three further levels, entry 1, entry 2 and entry 3 with entry 3 being the highest level. Each sub-level provides progression to the next sub-level, while at entry 3 qualifications are specifically designed to help candidates progress to related level 1 qualifications.

Qualifications may cover one or more of the entry sub-levels. entry level qualifications can cover any area of learning from, for example, life skills to literacy, religious studies to retail.

Entry level qualifications are designed for a wide range of candidates. The single common factor is that at the time the candidates are taking the qualification they are all working below level 1 of the NQF in that particular area of learning.

Candidates include:

14-16 year olds not yet working at GCSE level in a particular area; they are most likely to be taking entry level qualifications in national curriculum areas
learners of any age who may have a weakness in a given area (eg numeracy or English for speakers of other languages) and who are operating in other areas at level 1 or above
adults with little formal education and few, if any, qualifications, often seeking to improve their basic skills
adults returning or planning to return to employment after a long break; they may be interested in qualifications in a particular vocational area or in a general skill area such as IT.

Entry level candidates may be pursuing qualifications in a variety of settings, most commonly in FE colleges or at school but also in the workplace, in community settings through voluntary work, in prisons and Young Offenders’ Institutions or in residential or daycare settings.

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