BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care

Applications Open – Monday 3 November 2025

Applications Close – Friday 13 February 2026

Entry Requirements – Can be found on the course booklet on our website: https://4905753ff3cea231a868-376d75cd2890937de6f542499f88a819.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/bartoncourt/uploads/document/Sixth-Form-course-booklet-2026.pdf

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care provides a broad education through applied learning. This qualification will prepare students for a range of higher education courses and jobs in the health and social care sector. It will combine naturally with a broad range of other subjects to provide access to careers in nursing, social work, education physiotherapy and sport studies. Through its applied approach, the BTEC Extended Certificate is a sought after qualification for access to higher and degree apprenticeships.

Mandatory Units

Unit 1 Human Lifespan Development: Learners cover physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, and the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing

Unit 2 Working in Health and Social Care: Learners explore what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations

Unit 3 Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs: Learners focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs, which are the foundation of all the care disciplines.

Optional Unit There are a broad range of optional units, covering sociological and psychological perspectives, supporting individuals with additional needs and physiological disorders. The unit(s) that will be taught at Barton Court are to be confirmed and decisions will be made to maximise the skills of staff and students for the best possible outcomes for students.

Examining board: Pearson

Unit 1: Written 1.5hr examination (worth up to 24 points)

Unit 2: Written 1.5hr examination, set and marked by Pearson (worth up to 32 points)

Unit 5: Internal assessment (worth up to 24 points)

Optional Unit: Internal Assessment (worth up to 16 points) The overall BTEC grade will be based on total points along with minimum requirements in each unit. The BTEC is awarded at Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.

Sixth Form entry requirements including a science GCSE at grade 5 or BTEC Health and Social Care Level 2 Merit.

Links with other subjects and careers?

This qualification will prepare students for a range of higher education courses and jobs in the health and social care sector. It will combine naturally with a broad range of other subjects to provide access to careers in nursing, social work, education physiotherapy and sport studies. Through its applied approach, the BTEC Extended Certificate is a sought after qualification for access to higher and degree apprenticeships.