Travel & Tourism BTEC Extended Certificate

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.

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Travel and Tourism offers students a broad introduction to one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries. Equivalent in size to one A Level, this Applied General qualification is designed for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and develop the knowledge and skills needed for further study or employment in the travel and tourism sector.

Students will explore key topics such as:

The structure and scale of the travel and tourism industry

The appeal and features of global destinations

Principles of marketing within travel and tourism

The teacher and students will decide on the optional unit to be studied such as visitor attractions or events management

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Travel and Tourism is assessed through a combination of external examinations and internally assessed coursework, designed to reflect real-world vocational scenarios. Students complete four units in total:

Unit 1: The World of Travel and Tourism – externally assessed exam

Unit 2: Global Destinations – externally assessed task

Unit 3: Principles of Marketing in Travel and Tourism – internally assessed coursework

One optional unit (e.g. Visitor Attractions or Events Management) – internally assessed coursework

Minimum of a grade 4 in Geography or History in addition to the published entry requirements

Studying Travel and Tourism at Level 3 opens a wide range of exciting future pathways. Students gain valuable insight into one of the world’s largest industries, developing skills in customer service, marketing, and destination management. The qualification supports progression to university courses in tourism, hospitality, business, and event management, as well as access to apprenticeships and employment in travel agencies, airlines, hotels, visitor attractions, and tour operations. With a strong focus on applied learning, students are well-prepared for both further study and careers in the dynamic and global travel and tourism sector.