Health & Social Care Level 3 National Extended Certificate (1 x A level equivalent) AAQ

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 Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) allows students to engage in a broad investigation of various aspects of the health and social care sector.

There are two mandatory examined units and two internally assessed units.

The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their health and social care knowledge.

The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A Levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A Levels such as Psychology, Biology or English. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment

360 Guided Learning Hours- Equivalent to 1 A Level.

Mandatory Units:

Externally Assessed Exam Units:

Unit 1: Human Lifespan & Development - PIES and factors affecting growth and development, interventions and the different professionals providing care and treatment

Unit 2: Human Biology & Health - Human body structure and systems, normal physiological functioning and the impact of common disorders

Internally Assessed Coursework Unit:

Unit 3: Principles Of Health & Social Care Practice - Core principles, values and legislation that underpin and influence health and social care, and the effect of social determinants on an individual health status

Optional Unit (Coursework, internally assessed)-will be chosen with the class once teaching commences.

We will choose 1 unit from:

Unit 4: Health, Policy & wellbeing

Unit 5: Promoting Health Education

Unit 6: Safe Environments in Health & Social Care

Unit 7: Health Science

It is recommended that students have studied Health and Social Care or Child Development or the equivalent, as well as grade 4’s in GCSE English and maths as there is a heavy coursework element.

A good science GCSE grade 4.4 in combined science or GCSE Biology is also recommended as many of the units are science-heavy.

This qualification can lead to progression to the following degrees:

BSC Nursing

BSC Social Work

BSC Subjects Allied to Health.