Apprenticeship

Employed-Route, a work-based training programme combining employment with study, leading to a qualification.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

A process which where your previous experience and training from work experience can be used to gain entry into a higher education course. 

Advanced Technical Award

AdvancedTech are new Level 3 (A-Level equivalent) vocational courses for students aged 16 and over. 

Blended Learning

A mix of online and face-to-face learning methods. 

BTEC

Includes BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to 1 A-Level), BTEC Level 3 Diploma (equivalent to 2 A-Levels) and BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-Levels). 

Curriculum

The content, lessons, and assessments taught in a course.

DfE (Department for the Economy)

The government department responsible for the policy, strategic development and financing of the statutory further education sector. 

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

EMA is a payment for students aged 16-19 in full-time FE courses.  Payment is dependent on attendance. 

Foundation Degree

A two-year Level 5 Higher Education course. Fully-funded: All fees are covered.

FE (Further Education)

Education and training for students aged over 16, designed to provide students with vocational, academic or technical skills and qualifications for employment or further study. 

HE (Higher Education)

Education and training for students aged over 18, leading to a qualification at level 4 or above, eg. HNC/D, Foundation Degree, HLA, Degree. 

Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA)

An apprenticeship at Level 4 or above, equivalent to higher education study.

Non-accredited

No formal certification or recognition from academic or professional awarding bodies. You may receive a certificate of completion. Typical course are leisure/recreational type courses. 

NVQ (National Vocational Qualification)

Work-based qualifications that assess competence in specific job roles. 

PBL (Project Based Learning)

Teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world projects. 

Safeguarding

Measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students. 

Scholarship

A means of additional financial support, typically awarded on basis of individual merit and/or personal circumstances. 

Student Support

Support for students’ personal, educational, financial and social needs.  

Traineeship (Non-employed route)

A vocational education and training Level 2 programme to prepare learners for apprenticeships or work, often including work experience. 

Transversal Skills

Skills that can be used in many different situations at work or in life. 

UCAS

The organisation managing university applications. 

Vocational Qualification

Practical qualifications focused on specific industries or job roles. 

WBL (Work-based Learning)

Courses that provide real-life work experience whilst applying academic and technical skills to enhance career opportunities, such as Traineeships and Apprenticeships. 

Work Placement

A period of work experience as part of a course or programme.