IAG and Progression

Course Levels

If a course is accredited, it means that upon successful completion you will receive a certificate that is recognised by employers and other education providers showing the qualification title and level achieved. Most qualifications have a difficulty level, the higher the level number, the more difficult the qualification.

Functional Skills are recognised GCSE alternative qualifications, with a Functional Skills Level 2 course being equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (C).

GCSE (old grades) GCSE (new grades) Functional Skills (levels)

Below GCSE level  Below GCSE level         Functional Skills Entry Level 1, 2 or 3

GCSE Grade D         GCSE Grade 3         Functional Skills Level 1

GCSE Grade C         GCSE Grade 4         Functional Skills Level 2

Both GCSEs and Functional Skills qualifications are ideal for anyone who wants to get to grips with the basics of English. However, one may be more suitable for you than the other depending on your learning or career goals. If you are unsure which is more suitable for you, please contact us for further information, advice and guidance.

In the UK, there are 9 qualification levels, find out more about qualification levels here What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland - GOV.UK

An open event or open day is a great way to speak to staff and students, find out about facilities and help overcome worries about next steps, such as finance, learner support or transport.

Here’s some Adult Learning open days our staff will be at throughout 2025. Come along, bring a friend, we would love to see you:

Adult Learning Open Events - 2025 

Northampton: 14th July

09:30 – 12:00 Weston Favell Library NN3 8JZ

12:00 - 15:00 - Doddridge Centre NN5 5LD

Kettering: 30th July

09:30 – 15:00 Kettering Municipal Offices NN15 7QX

Wellingborough: 6th Aug

09:30 – 15:00 Wellingborough Library NN8 1AS

Corby: 11th Aug

09:30 – 15:00 venue to be confirmed, register your interest and information will be sent

Towcester/Daventry: 14th Aug

09:30 – 12:00 Daventry Childrens Centre NN11 4EY

12:00 - 15:00 Towcester Library NN12 6AD

Here’s how to find out about our local college and university open days:

Events | The Bedford College Group | Open Days

Moulton Campus - Open Event June 2025 (Further and… | Moulton College

Open events | Northampton College

Undergraduate | University of Northampton  or Returning to university as a mature student | UON

Every Day is an Open Day | The Open University

Being well prepared for your exams is s good way to overcome stress and anxiety, and gives you the most chance of achieving your best. If you're feeling stressed, it's important to talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, teacher or a friend. Lots of people find exams difficult to deal with, so do not be embarrassed to ask for support.

We have a dedicated Learning Support Team who you can speak to should you find that exam anxiety is becoming an issue. Please ask your tutor for contact details should you feel that this support would help.

The NHS has some great tips here Tips on preparing for exams - NHS

The charity MIND also has some good pre-exam stress information that can be found here Info on exam stress - for 11-18 year olds | Mind - Mind. Whilst aimed at 11-18 year olds, the information is applicable to anyone dealing with pre exam stress and anxiety Coping with exam stress (wellbeing guide) 

We do hope your course inspires you. As well as personal enjoyment, learning provides stepping stones to further achievement. Now may be a good time to think about your future learning or next steps.

We have put together some information here which may be helpful:

Digital Skills - What Next Guide 

Distance Learning - What Next Guide 

ESOL - What Next Guide 

English - What Next Guide

Family Learning - What Next Guide 

Leisure & Wellbeing - What Next Guides

Maths - What Next Guide 

If you need more help to decide if another Adult Learning course is right for you, or would like more help to understand our course fees, please get in touch; email adultlearning@northnorthants.gov.uk  or phone 0300 303 1058

After completing your course with us you, you might like further help from the National Careers Service. The National Careers Service provide anyone aged 13+ with life long careers information, advice and guidance to help make good career choices, you do not need to be in education to use their service and it is FREE. Our Adult Learning website has useful information about how to speak with a careers adviser.

After completing your course with us you, you might like further help from the National Careers Service. 

The National Careers Service provide anyone aged 13+ with life long careers information, advice and guidance to help make good career choices, you do not need to be in education to use their service and it is FREE. 

Our Adult Learning website has useful information or you can go to the National Careers Service website to read information, including how to speak with a careers adviser.