Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Certificate In English (Entry 3)

Rules of Combination

To be awarded this qualification learners must meet the rule of combination by successfully achieving 18 credits. A minimum of 12 credits must come from Entry 3 units within Group O1 and the remaining credits can be achieved from either Group O1 or Group O2. Learners cannot include more than one unit with the same or similar title.

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Units

What is the purpose of this qualification?

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the foundational English skills needed to communicate effectively in a range of practical contexts. It supports learners to develop confidence in understanding, using and communicating information effectively with increasing independence and accuracy.

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What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?

The aims and objectives of the qualification are to enable learners to develop the foundational level English writing and communication skills necessary to progress in further study, work or life.

The objectives of the qualification are to enable learners to:

• identify and understand main points, key details and purpose in straightforward, everyday texts
• produce short, connected pieces of writing that are clear and organised
• use basic grammar, punctuation and spelling with increasing accuracy
• communicate information, feelings and opinions clearly
• listen and respond appropriately to others in familiar and unfamiliar contexts

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How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?

This qualification is part of a suite of English qualifications it allows learners to progress through a framework of English units and qualifications from Entry 1 to Level 2.

Learners can progress:

• towards a GCSE in English
• towards a Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English
• to further study including to a Gateway Qualifications vocational qualification
• to an Apprenticeship programme

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Progression & entry requirements

There are no specific prior skills/knowledge learners must have for this qualification; however, learners should have a basic proficiency in the English language. On completion of this qualification learners will be equipped with an introductory level of proficiency in English, forming a basis for further progression to higher-level literacy studies and to broader opportunities within education, training, and employment. Successful completion of the Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Certificate in English (Entry 3) could allow learners to progress onto: • Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Certificate in English • GCSE in English • Functional Skills qualification in English at a higher level (Level 1 or 2) • further study, including a Gateway Qualifications vocational qualification A full in-depth careers information, advice and guidance session should be completed for learners before, during and after completion of learning, finding them the most appropriate progression pathways unique to them and based on their ability and aspirations.

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Funding information

There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.

The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:

View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website

The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).

View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search

How to find a learning aim

If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:

How to Use: Find a learning Aim

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Additional funding information for English and Maths

For Adults

The Adult Education Budget states that they will fully fund :

• English and maths, up to and including level 2, for individuals aged 19 and over, who have not previously attained a GCSE grade A* – C or grade 4, or higher, and/or
• first full qualification at level 2 for individuals aged 19 to 23, and/or
• first full qualification at level 3 for individuals aged 19 to 23

The following qualifications are eligible as they are included in the English and maths legal entitlement offer:

• Certificate in English (Entry 1)
• Certificate in English (Entry 2)
• Certificate in English (Entry 3)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 1)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 2)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 3)

Local flexibilities

Other qualifications within the suite may be eligible for funding through local flexibilities.

For Young People

• This qualification appears on the section 96 approved qualification list for delivery to young people aged less than 19 years old.

Students must study maths and/or English as part of their study programme. To meet the condition of funding, a student has to study an approved qualification. These are GCSEs and certain other qualifications, known as ‘stepping stone’ qualifications.  Please refer to the 16-19 maths and English condition of funding for further information.

The following qualifications meet the 16-19 maths and English condition of funding:

• Certificate in English (Entry 1)
• Certificate in English (Entry 2)
• Certificate in English (Entry 3)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 1)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 2)
• Certificate in Maths (Entry 3)

As qualifications on sections 96, the Awards can be used to support the achievement of stepping stones qualifications.

Exemptions to the condition of funding

The 16-19 maths and English condition of funding states that there are two exemptions to the condition of funding:

• Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who are assessed as not able to study either GCSE or stepping stone qualification
• Students with overseas qualifications that are established as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or grade C

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We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.

The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.

Learner Assessment Tracking – English

Qualification Assessment Guidance English

Boosting Literacy and Numeracy Levels – a bite-sized approach

Suggested Resources for English and ESOL