The seven levels of education in the UK

The education system in the United Kingdom is divided into seven levels, each important for the growth and learning of students. These levels build on each other to create a complete education that prepares people for different life and career paths.

Level 1

The first level is for children between 11-16 years old. Level 1 qualifications are:

first certificate
GCSE – grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G
level 1 award
level 1 certificate
level 1 diploma
level 1 ESOL
level 1 essential skills
level 1 functional skills
level 1 national vocational qualification (NVQ)
music grades 1, 2 and 3

Level 2

The second level is for children aged between 11-16. Level 2 qualifications are:

CSE – grade 1
GCSE – grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C
intermediate apprenticeship
level 2 award
level 2 certificate
level 2 diploma
level 2 ESOL
level 2 essential skills
level 2 functional skills
level 2 national certificate
level 2 national diploma
level 2 NVQ
music grades 4 and 5
O level – grade A, B or C

Level 3

The third level is for children aged between 16-18. Level 3 qualifications are:

A level
access to higher education diploma
advanced apprenticeship
applied general
AS level
international Baccalaureate diploma
level 3 award
level 3 certificate
level 3 diploma
level 3 ESOL
level 3 national certificate
level 3 national diploma
level 3 NVQ
music grades 6, 7 and 8
T Level
tech level

Level 4

The fourth level is Further Education which provides vocational training for students aged between 16-19. This equates to the first year of a degree course. Level 4 qualifications are:

certificate of higher education (CertHE)
higher apprenticeship
higher national certificate (HNC)
level 4 award
level 4 certificate
level 4 diploma
level 4 NVQ

Level 5

The fifth level is Higher Education, which includes postgraduate studies at universities and colleges. This equates to the second year of a degree course. Level 5 qualifications are:

diploma of higher education (DipHE)
foundation degree
higher national diploma (HND)
level 5 award
level 5 certificate
level 5 diploma
level 5 NVQ

Level 6

The sixth level is graduate education which includes degrees. This equates to the third year of a degree course. Level 6 qualifications are:

degree apprenticeship
degree with honours – for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons, bachelor of science (BSc) hons
graduate certificate
graduate diploma
level 6 award
level 6 certificate
level 6 diploma
level 6 NVQ
ordinary degree without honours

Level 7

The seventh level is postgraduate education which includes Masters and Doctorates. Level 7 qualifications are:

integrated master’s degree, for example master of engineering (MEng)
level 7 award
level 7 certificate
level 7 diploma
level 7 NVQ
master’s degree, for example master of arts (MA), master of science (MSc)
postgraduate certificate
postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
postgraduate diploma