Public examinations and qualifications

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are several types of qualifications. General educational qualifications include GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education), GCE A-level (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level) and AS (Advanced Supplementary) examinations. 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), these are based on assessment throughout the course with an examination at the end of the course. 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. GCE AS levels are of the same standard as GCE A-level but cover less content. These were introduced to help pupils cover more subjects thus increasing the breadth of their education.

Many pupils continue with further education either at school or at further education institutions, i.e. colleges. Schools are increasingly offering a range of vocational courses, as well as academic courses. However, it is more common for those wishing to pursue vocational courses to join further education institutions. Further education institutions offer a wide range of both academic and vocational courses. Pupils wishing to pursue a higher educational level usually transfer to a higher education institution (College or University) at age 18 years.

General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) are an alternative educational path for those entering further education at college or school. GNVQs combine general and vocational education with employment. GNVQs are based on the skills required by employers combined with the development and understanding of skills needed in vocational areas. Vocational areas covered include business, health and social care or engineering.

Specific to occupations are National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) (in Scotland — Scottish Vocational Qualifications, SVQs), these qualifications are based on skills, knowledge and competencies required by specific occupations set out by industry defined standards. A number of standards are used to assess NVQs/SVQs, these include observations within the workplace, oral questioning, practical and written questioning and assignments. A five-level framework is applied to NVQs/SVQs, each level broadly equates to its following description:

• level 1: foundation skills in semi-skilled occupations
• level 2: semi-skilled occupations
• level 3: technician/skilled/craft/supervisory occupations
• level 4: technician/junior management occupations
• level 5: professional/senior management occupations

The framework is divided into 11 areas of major sectors of industry and commerce. Each area has various levels up to level 5. Once obtaining NVQs/SVQs, it is possible to progress into higher education or employment.

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are modular courses of vocational study mostly taken at college or school.