All General Further Education (GFE) Colleges, Sixth Forms and Special post-16 settings, have their own prospectus or booklet that explains what subjects or course they offer, the facilities they have and what they aim to provide for their students. You will need to contact these providers directly to request a copy. However, many educational establishments will have a copy of the prospectus on their website.
The table below shows some examples of how different qualifications compare to each other. Depending on what subjects and levels you’ve studied, students may be able to move between different types of qualification. For example: moving from a general education course at Level 2, on to a Diploma at Level 3.
| Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 2 | Level 3-8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General education courses |
Foundation level Study Programme |
GCSE grade 1-3 (old D-G) Functional Skills |
GCSE grade 4-9 (old A*-C) Functional Skills |
A Level, AS Level, A2 Level International Baccalaureate |
Degree Masters Degree PhD |
|
Vocational education courses – including BTEC and City and Guilds* |
Foundation level Study Programme |
Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 1 |
Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 2 |
Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 3 |
HNC, HND Professional Diploma Foundation Degree |
|
Traineeships |
Pre- apprenticeship programme/ Traineeships or internships |
Pre- Apprenticeship programme/ Traineeships |
Apprenticeship NVQ Level 2 plus technical certificates such as BTEC Level 2 |
Advanced Level Apprenticeship NVQ Level 3 plus technical certificates such as BTEC Level 3 |
Higher Apprenticeship NVQ 4, Foundation Degree, HNC or HND |
|
Supported Internships/ Foundation programmes |
Awards, Certificates or Diplomas at Entry Level 1, 2 or 3 Skills for Life Functional Skills |
Awards, Certificates or Diplomas at Level 1
Essential Skills Functional Skills |
This Study Programme is to help people who haven’t yet reached Level 2, and to prepare your child to progress on to a Level 2 course, a job with training or an Apprenticeship |
It is important that you attend open days so students and parents or carers can talk to tutors and explore choices before making their decision. The Birmingham Careers Service has more information on college and sixth form open days. You can also head directly to college websites and social media pages.
If the details for the school you are interested are not shown on the MyEd website please visit the school or college website for details.
Post-16 places are allocated in accordance with the Children and Family Act 2014. This requires that a decision is made after taking into account the student’s SEND, parental preference and the views of the placements requested.
The city council is required to comply with a student’s preference for a local college (GFE), sixth form and/or 16-19 Academy unless:
The city council is required to consult the placement before naming it in Section I of the EHCP.
In cases where there are more applications for places than a Specialist Placement can accommodate, places will be allocated on the basis that:
The city council will issue a final or an amended final EHCP by 31 March of the current academic transfer year, naming the post-16 placement for September.
Please speak with your Case Officer in the first instance who can help with resolving any issues. This information is found on the letter that was sent with the final amended EHCP.
Should you need additional support please see the following information on special educational needs and disability information, advice and support service.
