Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Dartford – Leigh Academy Wilmington

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

About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Dartford. Classes run at Leigh Academy Wilmington. You'll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English and Maths, to join. This two-year, full-time daytime health and social care qualification covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in care settings or progress to higher education. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care is a well-established level 3 health and social care classes route that carries weight with both universities and employers in the sector.

Who this course is for

New Learner

Entry requirements

Minimum of 5 9-4 grades in GCSE exams including English and Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore human growth and development across the life stages.
  • You'll study the principles of health and wellbeing and how they affect individuals.
  • You'll learn how to communicate effectively in health and social care settings.
  • You'll examine safeguarding and protection in care environments.
  • You'll develop understanding of anatomy, physiology, and how body systems work.
  • You'll investigate the sociological and psychological perspectives on health.
  • You'll explore how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Leigh Academy Wilmington. Assessment for the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma combines internally assessed assignments and externally assessed exams. Assignments are set and marked by the centre; exams are set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. You'll build a portfolio of work alongside sitting written papers throughout the two years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Leigh Academy Wilmington will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support adults or older people in care homes or at home.
  • 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 in residential or community settings.
  • Early years practitioner: work with children in nursery or childcare settings.
  • Social care worker: support vulnerable adults or families in the community.

What you could study next

  • Degree in Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): the most direct university route from this qualification, leading to NMC registration.
  • BSc Health and Social Care: a broad degree for those interested in management, policy, or practice roles.
  • Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care: a two-year higher education option, often available part-time alongside work.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care: for those moving into supervisory or management roles in care settings.