Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Chard. Classes run at Holyrood Academy. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above to apply. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers the knowledge and skills behind health, wellbeing, and social care practice. It's a level 3 health and social care qualification built around the Pearson Edexcel BTEC framework, combining coursework with applied learning. It opens routes into care roles and into higher education in health-related subjects.
You'll explore how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
You'll study human development across the lifespan, from infancy to later adulthood.
You'll examine the values and principles that underpin care practice, including dignity, safeguarding, and person-centred approaches.
You'll learn how physical and mental health conditions affect individuals and their care needs.
You'll develop understanding of communication skills in care settings.
You'll investigate the role of research and evidence in health and social care.
How you will learn
The BTEC National Diploma is assessed primarily through coursework and assignments rather than exams, though some units include externally assessed tasks set by Pearson Edexcel. You'll build a portfolio of work over the two years. Classroom sessions at Holyrood Academy support each unit, with tutor-guided learning and group discussion forming a core part of how you progress.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Holyrood Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant. Support people in residential or home care settings.
Healthcare support worker. Assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Mental health support worker. Work alongside people with mental health needs.
Learning disability support worker. Provide day-to-day support for adults with learning disabilities.
Early years practitioner. Work in nursery or childcare settings with young children.
Community care worker. Deliver care and support in people's own homes.
What you could study next
Level 4 or 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Health and Social Care (Pearson Edexcel HNC/HND). A natural next step if you want to move into supervisory or management roles.
Foundation Degree or BSc in Nursing, Social Work, or a related health subject. The BTEC National Diploma is recognised by many universities as meeting entry requirements for degree-level study in health and social care fields.
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (NVQ-style). If you move into a care role, this work-based qualification supports your professional development.
