Advanced National in Mental Health: Individuals and Society – AAQ Extended Certificate

Applications Open: - 14th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th April 2026

Entry Requirements: -We cater to the individual needs of each student, creating a program of study that meets their unique requirements. We offer a wide range of Level 3 qualifications, including A levels, allowing students to combine their interests with relevant courses for their future pathways. Each subject has specific entry requirements in addition to those set out below, and all students must receive a positive reference and maintain an end-of-year attendance record of 95% or higher to be offered a place in The Marsh Academy Sixth Form.

It is important to understand that all students are expected to attain a minimum of GCSE grade 4 in Mathematics and English by the time they leave school or college. Therefore, if a student has not achieved these grades, they are legally required to retake these subjects until they achieve the grade 4 or above or until they complete their programme of study.

For students unable to undertake a full Level 3 program, we offer a combination of qualifications across Level 3 and Level 2, depending on the qualifications gained in Year 11.

For students who achieve:

7+ GCSEs at grade 7+ can study four Level 3 courses.

5+ GCSEs at grade 5+ can study three Level 3 courses.

4 +GCSEs at grade 5+ can study two Level 3 courses and two Level 2 courses.

Level 3 Vocational Courses

5+ GCSEs at grade 4+ in English and maths GCSE to study three Level 3 vocation courses However, it is important to note that some Level 3 courses will have specific requirements in addition to those set out here.

This year, subjects have not been placed into fixed option blocks. Instead, they have been grouped by subject area to allow students greater flexibility in selecting the courses that best suit their interests and future goals. Once we have received students’ subject choices, we will create option blocks based on demand and subject compatibility. It is important to note that while The Marsh Academy aims to offer all courses listed in the prospectus, we do reserve the right to withdraw any course that does not attract sufficient interest. This approach ensures that our curriculum remains responsive, student-focused, and sustainable.

The Marsh Academy reserves the right to review student course offers on an individual basis.

How to apply:

Students who wish to apply for a place at the Marsh Academy Sixth Form and are currently a student at another school or college in Kent or East Sussex, must apply via the Kent Choices website application process (www.kentprospectus.co.uk). External applicants must ensure that the application is completely correctly by completing all sections of the application form in full for the application to be considered:

If you are applying from outside of Kent and are unable to register for Kent Choices, please use the external student application form which is available on the Sixth Form page of the Marsh Academy website.

Once the application has been made, we will contact you to discuss your application and invite you for interview. After the interview, conditional offers will made pending examination results. We ensure that students are kept up do date with events regarding Sixth Form during the remainder of the academic year.

On GCSE result day, students should contact the Marsh Academy with a record of GCSE results so that courses can be confirmed or adapted in line with the achieved results. Students will then attend a registration day early in September to process the required documentation.

This brand-new course offers students the opportunity to explore mental health at an individual level. It develops knowledge, understanding, and skills that will support progression to undergraduate study when taken alongside other relevant qualifications. The course is particularly suited to those interested in mental health and wellbeing within the broader health and social care sector.

Mandatory Units:

• Unit 1: Fundamentals of Mental Health and the Individual

• Unit 2: Mental Health, Wellbeing and Society

• Unit 3: Supporting and Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Organisations

• Unit 4: Community-Based Support for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Optional Units (students will study one of the following):

• Unit 5: Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing with Physical Activity

• Unit 6: Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing with Outdoor and Creative Activities

Assessment is through a combination of external examinations and internally assessed coursework:

Units 1 and 2 are assessed via examination

Units 3, 4, and either 5 or 6 are assessed through assignments

A Merit in Level 2 Health and Social Care or Childcare (if studied), in addition to the published entry requirements.

This new qualification explores the impact of mental health on individuals and communities. It supports progression to university courses such as Psychology, Nursing, and Social Work, as well as careers in health, education, and wellbeing. Students will develop key skills including empathy, communication, and critical thinking—ideal for those passionate about supporting others.