Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Barking and Dagenham – Jo Richardson Community School

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Barking and Dagenham. Classes run at Jo Richardson Community School. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in health and social care settings. You'll study topics including human development, safeguarding, anatomy and physiology, and the values that underpin care practice. The level 3 health and social care qualification is for 16 to 18 year olds studying full-time. It can also open the door to university-level study in nursing, social work, or related fields.

Who this course is for

16-18 year old students

What you will learn

  • You'll explore human growth and development across the life stages.
  • You'll study anatomy and physiology relevant to health and care work.
  • You'll learn the principles of safeguarding adults and children.
  • You'll examine health and social care values, including person-centred approaches.
  • You'll develop understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
  • You'll investigate how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
  • You'll build research and independent study skills relevant to higher education and the workplace.

How you will learn

The OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma is assessed through a combination of coursework assignments and external examinations. Coursework units are assessed by your centre and moderated by OCR. Some units are assessed through timed written exams set and marked by OCR. Classes are delivered in a classroom setting at Jo Richardson Community School, with daytime attendance across the two-year programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Jo Richardson Community School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support adults with daily living in care settings.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Support worker: work with people with learning disabilities or mental health needs.
  • Early years practitioner: work in nurseries or children's care settings.
  • Community care worker: provide care and support in people's own homes.
  • Social care administrator: coordinate care plans and service delivery.

What you could study next

  • Foundation Degree or BSc in Nursing: the level 3 health and social care qualification is recognised for entry to nursing programmes at many universities.
  • BSc Social Work: a common next step for those interested in statutory social care roles.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a Level 4 option if you want to progress without a full degree.
  • CACHE Level 4 Diploma in Child and Young People's Mental Health: for those specialising in children's services.