Supporting your child’s future is a shared journey, and we’re here to help every step of the way. This section is designed to give parents and carers the tools, guidance, and information needed to understand career pathways, qualifications, and opportunities available to young people today. 

Our goal is to work in partnership with you to ensure every student is confident, informed, and ready for their next steps. 

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GCSEs are graded using a numerical scale from 9 to 1, replacing the old A*–G system. This change was introduced to better differentiate student performance, especially at the top end. 

  • Grade 9: Exceptional performance (higher than the old A*) 
  • Grade 8: Very strong performance (similar to A*) 
  • Grade 7: Strong performance (similar to A) 
  • Grade 6: Good performance (similar to high B) 
  • Grade 5: Strong pass (similar to low B/high C) 
  • Grade 4: Standard pass (similar to C) 
  • Grade 3: Below pass (similar to D/E) 
  • Grade 2: Lower performance (similar to E/F) 
  • Grade 1: Lowest performance (similar to G) 
  • U: Ungraded 

How Are Cambridge Nationals (CNATs) Graded? 

Grading Scale: 

  • Distinction* 
  • Distinction 
  • Merit 
  • Pass 
  • Fail 

GCSE Equivalence: 

  • Distinction* ≈ Grade 8/9 
  • Distinction ≈ Grade 7 
  • Merit ≈ Grade 5/6 
  • Pass ≈ Grade 4 

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are 8 qualification levels (1 - 8) plus an entry level qualification for those just starting. Generally, the higher the level, the more difficult the qualification is. Levels 1-3 are typically taught in schools and colleges.  

With so many different qualifications, it can be hard to know what they mean and where they might lead to next. To help you understand, the summary below shows what the levels mean highlighting academic, vocational and work-based routes to higher education.  

A GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a Level 2 qualification on the UK education framework. 

Chart detailing educational routes and qualification levels (1-8) in the UK, from GCSE to Doctorate, with academic, vocational, and work-based options.

After completing GCSEs, students have several options for continuing their education or training. Here’s an overview of the main pathways: 

A Levels 

  • What they are: Academic qualifications studied over two years. 
  • Subjects: Usually 3–4 subjects chosen based on interests and career goals. 
  • Assessment: Mainly exams at the end of Year 13. 
  • Ideal for: Students who enjoy theory-based learning and want to keep university options open. 

T Levels 

  • What they are: A new qualification introduced in England, equivalent to 3 A Levels. 
  • Focus: Technical and vocational skills combined with classroom learning. 
  • Structure:  
  • 80% classroom learning 
  • 20% industry placement (minimum 45 days) 
  • Subjects: Digital, Health, Education, Construction, Engineering, and more. 
  • Progression: Skilled employment, higher apprenticeships, or university. 
  • Ideal for: Students who want a mix of academic and practical experience. 

BTECs 

  • What they are: Vocational qualifications focusing on practical skills and coursework. 
  • Levels:  
  • BTEC Level 2 = Equivalent to GCSEs 
  • BTEC Level 3 = Equivalent to A Levels 
  • Subjects: Business, Health & Social Care, Sport, Engineering, Creative Media, etc. 
  • Assessment: Mostly coursework, with some exams. 
  • Ideal for: Students who prefer continuous assessment and hands-on learning. 

Apprenticeships 

  • What they are: Paid work combined with training and study. 
  • Levels: Intermediate, Advanced, Higher, and Degree apprenticeships. 
  • Ideal for: Students ready to enter the workplace while gaining qualifications. 

Other Options 

  • Cambridge Technicals: Similar to BTECs, vocational and coursework-based. 
  • Employment with Training: Some students start work and complete training alongside employment. 

Key Advice for Parents: 

  • All students must remain in education or training until age 18. 
  • Encourage your child to think about career goals, learning style, and entry requirements. 
  • Research local colleges and providers early. 

Choosing the right pathway after Year 11 is an important decision. To help families explore all options, we’ve provided a link to the full list of local Post-16 schools and colleges: 

View Post-16 Providers on Stockton Information Directory 

This directory includes sixth forms, colleges, and specialist providers across the Tees Valley and wider North East region. 

How We Support Students

We want every student to make informed choices about their future. Here’s how we help: 

  • Discovery Days - Year 10 students will attend Discovery Days in June and July, visiting local Post-16 providers to experience courses and campus life. 
  • Pop-Up College Stalls - Representatives from colleges and sixth forms will be available at Parents’ Evenings and Information Nights to answer questions. 
  • Thursday Lunchtime Drop-Ins - Students can speak to college representatives during Thursday lunchtimes in school. 
  • College Assemblies - Assemblies will take place throughout Year 10 and Year 11, giving students insight into different pathways and opportunities. 

Open events to all providers take place throughout the year, and all Year 10 and Year 11 students are welcome to attend. 

We share a full list of open events with students in September at the start of the academic year. 

What is Unifrog? 

Unifrog is an award-winning online platform that brings all careers, courses, and progression information into one place. It helps students explore their future options and make informed decisions about Post-16 and Post-18 pathways. 

Why are we using it? 

  • It provides up-to-date information on colleges, apprenticeships, universities, and careers. 
  • Students can compare courses and providers, build CVs, and track applications. 
  • It supports personal guidance and helps us meet the Gatsby Benchmarks for careers education. 

Who has access? 

  • All Year 10 and Year 11 students have their own Unifrog accounts. 
  • They can use it during HD lessons, tutor time, and at home to research opportunities and record achievements. 

Benefits for Parents: 

  • You can encourage your child to log in regularly and explore options. 
  • It’s a safe, structured way to plan next steps and prepare for applications. 

Understanding labour market trends helps students make informed choices about subjects, courses, and careers. It ensures they prepare for sectors with strong growth and future opportunities. 

Key Labour Market Insights for 2026 

  • Job Growth Goal: Tees Valley aims to create 25,000 new jobs by 2026, focusing on high-value sectors. 
  • Emerging & Growth Sectors:  
  • Clean Energy & Net Zero – Offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture projects. 
  • Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering – Automotive, aerospace, and precision engineering. 
  • Digital & Creative Industries – Software development, gaming, and digital media. 
  • Health & Social Care – Growing demand for skilled professionals. 
  • Bio-industrial & Life Sciences – New cluster expected to create 5,000 skilled roles. 
  • Skills in Demand: STEM subjects, technical qualifications, and digital literacy. 

Why This Matters 

  • Helps students choose subjects and pathways aligned with future job opportunities. 
  • Encourages development of transferable skills for sectors with long-term stability. 
  • Supports informed decisions about apprenticeships, T Levels, and vocational routes. 

Useful Links 

Work experience gives students a real insight into the world of work, helping them develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. It also builds confidence and strengthens college, apprenticeship, and job applications. 

  • When: All Year 10 students take part in three days of work experience in June. 
  • Purpose: To help students explore career interests, understand workplace expectations, and gain practical experience. 
  • Support We Provide: 
    • Guidance on finding placements that match career goals. 
    • Help with contacting employers and completing paperwork. 
    • Using Unifrog to organise placements. 
    • Reflection activities after the placement to link experience to future plans. 

How Parents Can Help 

  • Encourage your child to think about sectors they are interested in. 
  • Use personal networks to identify possible placements. 
  • Support them in preparing for the experience (e.g., travel arrangements, dress code). 

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