Early Childhood Development - AAQ

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 course is a vocational qualification designed for students who are interested in working with children and exploring careers in the early years sector. The course provides a strong foundation in child development, care routines, play, and the roles and responsibilities of early years practitioners. Students will gain insight into the factors that influence a child’s development, the importance of observations, and how to plan effectively within early years settings.

The course includes:

Unit 1: Children’s Development – Understanding physical, cognitive, and emotional development from birth to early childhood.

Unit 2: Keeping Children Safe – Exploring safeguarding, health and safety, and legislation in early years settings.

Unit 3: Play and Learning – Investigating the role of play in child development and how to support learning through play.

Unit 4: Research and Reflective Practice – Developing skills in observation, reflection, and planning within early years environments.

The course is assessed through a balanced combination of external examinations and internally assessed coursework. Students complete four mandatory units across two years:

Unit 1: Children’s Development – externally assessed via written exam

Unit 2: Keeping Children Safe – externally assessed via written exam

Unit 3: Play and Learning – internally assessed through coursework

Unit 4: Research and Reflective Practice – internally assessed through coursework

A minimum of a 4 in GCSE language and a merit in either Health and Social Care or Childhood development at Level 2 in addition to the published entry requirements

Studying Early Childhood Development provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to work in the early years sector. It supports progression to higher education courses in childcare, education, and health and social care, as well as access to apprenticeships and employment in nurseries, primary schools, and other early years settings. The qualification equips learners with both academic knowledge and practical skills, making it an ideal stepping stone for careers such as early years practitioner, teaching assistant, or child support worker.