BTEC level 3 certificate in sport vs extended diploma

My 17 year old son completed a BTEC level 2 sport in June. He also has passed his gcse english and maths at level 5.

His college were reluctant to progress him to level 3. Eventually they agreed to enrol him on a certificate rather than extended diploma. He starts Monday.

Fewer units apparently but what I would like to know - if my son would like to Eventually progress to uni how will this impact him? I'm also confused about the 'full time education' my understanding is the level 3 certificate course is usually only offered to students who are yet to pass their english and/or maths gcse. Will the gap in his timetable where his peers are in gcse lessons effectively mean he is not in 'full time education' for child benefit/ UC purposes?

He has a diagnosis of autism hence he struggles in some areas but is academically bright.

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Annabel84

According to HMRC's Claimant Compliance Manual, for the purposes of Child Benefit and Tax Benefits:

"Full-time education is education undertaken in pursuit of a course, where an average of more than 12 hours per week is spent during term time

• receiving tuition
• engaging in practical work
• receiving supervised study
• taking examinations"

So, will he be undertaking those activities for more then 12 hours per week (on average)?

Just in case you weren't aware, a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport consists of 14 units and is the equivalent of 3 A levels; as such, it would allow direct entry to university. A BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Sport consists of just 2 units and is the equivalent of half an A level. As a result; as such, it is almost worthless in terms of entry to university. :frown:

BTECs can be "topped-up", so he could take the additional 12 units required to obtain the Extended Diploma at a later date. If his college allow it, that is.

And just to complete the picture, the full set of BTEC Level 3 qualifications in Sport, and their equivalents in terms of A levels is:

• Certificate (0.5)
• Extended Certificate (1.0)
• Foundation Diploma (1.5)
• Diploma (2.0)
• Extended Diploma (3.0)