Academic reference?

When I have asked a few distance learning organisations that I am thinking of doing GCSEs with (I am a mature student), regarding whether they would provide a UCAS reference, they say they would provide an academic reference. One of these organisations replied that they would provide an academic reference but not a UCAS reference because they don’t know me personally. I’m not sure what the difference is? Do you think an academic reference would be fine to be submitted as the UCAS reference? I would be in regular contact with the distance learning tutor or tutors for my work.

You'll need a reference from your A level teachers/tutors.

No, I’ve been in contact with at least one university and they would accept a reference from a tutor for a level 2 qualification (which GCSEs are).

They can't give predicted A level grades which is what you'll need.

They said they can give predicted grades for the GCSEs. I am a bit confused because I’m not asking about A Levels at all. The university has said they would accept level 2 (gcse) for a reference.

Do you have Level 3 qualifications already?

I am getting a level 3 qualification but my question in regards to the reference is for the level 2 GCSEs

Your university reference is to do with your level 3 and planned course at university. Your level 2 only needs to be mentioned in your pending qualifications, and possibly by the person writing your overall reference. you only have one referee and one reference.

Do you have a tutor or teacher regarding your level 3 qualification? That's the person who should be your referee.

The university is fine with the reference being from a level 2 tutor.

Back to my original question....

The university doesn't particularly care who your UCAS reference is from. But the fact is your referee (whoever they are) will be expected to provide your Level 3 predicted grades. If that's your GCSE tutor then so be it.

You don't provide the reference to UCAS, your refereee does it themselves. Online.

Let's wind this back a little. Are you applying to a UK university via UCAS? If so, you need a UCAS referee/reference. The reference mentions (amongst other things) any qualifications you have achieved and are about to achieve. So GCSEs already taken, GCSEs to be taken, and Level 3 qualifications.

https://www.ucas.com/advisers/references/how-write-ucas-undergraduate-references

You will have one UCAS application to up to 5 universities. One reference.

I had an old GCSE teacher do mine, but I already had A Levels when I applied to university. The difference is, I guess, their level of comfort. I'm not sure what goes into a UCAS reference but I assume it to be a character ref as well as just a 'yes they can do the work' sort of reference. The difference would be that in order to attest to your character as well as your academic potential, they'd need to know you.

The provider of GCSEs told me they can not provide a character reference, only an academic reference which would have predicted grades and other info. Would this be sufficient for it to be sent as the UCAS refeence?