Business (1 A level equivalent) Level 3 National Extended Certificate Edexcel

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

The Extended Certificate is for learners who are interested in learning about the business sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in business-related subjects.

It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels

UNIT ONE: Exploring Business

In this introductory unit, learners study the purposes of different businesses, their structure, the effect of the external environment, and how they need to be dynamic and innovative to survive.

In this unit you will:

A Explore the features of different businesses and analyse what makes them successful

B Investigate how businesses are organised

C Examine the environment in which businesses operate

D Examine business markets

E Investigate the role and contribution of innovation and enterprise to business success.

UNIT TWO: Developing a Marketing Campaign

Learners will gain skills relating to, and an understanding of, how a marketing campaign is developed.

Marketing is a dynamic field central to the success of any business. You will gain an understanding of how a marketing campaign is developed. You will explore different stages of the process that a business goes through when developing its campaign and develop your own campaign for a given product/service.

UNIT THREE: Personal and Business Finance

Learners study the purpose and importance of personal and business finance. They will develop the skills and knowledge needed to understand, analyse and prepare financial information.

This unit includes aspects of both personal and business finance. Personal finance involves the understanding of why money is important and how managing your money can help prevent future financial difficulties. It is vital you understand the financial decisions you will need to take throughout your life and how risk can affect you and your choices. This unit will also give you an insight into where you can get financial advice and support

UNIT FOUR: Managing an Event

Learners will work as part of a small group to plan, coordinate and manage a business or social enterprise event and evaluate the skills gained.

Events management is one of the most exciting and dynamic sectors of business. This unit combines your creativity and organisational skills to produce successful, memorable events, whether for profit or social enterprise.

Equivalent in size to one A Level.

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There are three main forms of assessment that you need to be aware of: external, internal and synoptic

Mandatory content (83%). External assessment (58%).

We would recommend at least a grade 4 at GCSE in English Language and a BTEC Level 2 qualification preferably in business studies.

Vocational

Academic:

The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses, for example:

• BSc (Hons) in Business and Management

• BA (Hons) in Business and Finance

• BA (Hons) in Business with Human Resource Management

• BA (Hons) and BSc(Hons) in Business Studies

• BSc (Hons) in International Management

• BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) in Marketing

• BSc (Hons) in Retail Management.