LIBF Certificate in Financial Studies

Applications Open - 10th November 2025

Applications Close - 27th February 2026

Entry Requirements - Please refer to the Sixth Form Course Directory via the website www.knoleacademy.org

Option blocks and detailed subject information can be found in our course directory https://www.knoleacademy.org/3569/information-for-students-applying-for-september-2025

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices

PLEASE NOTE WHEN SELECTING COURSES THERE ARE FOUR POSSIBLE PATHWAYS

Vocational pathway - Select minimum of 3 vocational subjects

IBCP pathway - Select minimum 1 vocational and minimum 2 IB subjects

IBDP pathway - Select only the IBDP option from Block E. We will contact you about subject options

Level 2 pathway -Select either Culinary Skills or Hairdressing

This qualification has been designed to encourage students to be inspired to meet their lifestyle aspirations. This will be achieved by teaching students to apply appropriate solutions from the varied choices available within the evolving and competitive financial services marketplace.

The certificate enables students to make informed decisions regarding their finances. It will also help students to become responsible borrowers, sensible savers and have an appreciation of the need for financial planning throughout their lives.

It is suitable for anyone who is keen to develop an understanding of money and its uses in everyday life. The world of finance is constantly changing, so having knowledge of current affairs is essential for this subject.

Year 12 (Certificate):

Unit 1: Financial Capability for the immediate and short term

Unit 2: Financial Capability for the medium and long term

Year 13 (Diploma):

Unit 3: Sustainability of an individual’s finances

Unit 8: Sustainability of the Financial Services System

There are two units of study on the first year of this course. Both units will be assessed by e-test / written paper made up of the following components:
Part A – 45 minute multiple choice exam;
Part B – 105 minute exam based on a pre-released case study requiring essay responses to five questions.

Year two of the course focuses more on the financial providers and considers how and why they offer the services.

Again, the assessment follows the same format as year one, although the papers are 60 minutes and 120 minutes in length.

See Careers Leader for more information.

Future courses and possible careers:

• Banking
• Financial Services
• Investments
• Insurance Services
• Investment Banking