Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Leeds – Ralph Thoresby School

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 Leeds. Classes run at Ralph Thoresby School. This two-year, full-time health and social care qualification is equivalent in size to two A-Levels and makes up two-thirds of a sixth form study programme. You'll need GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language and/or Maths, plus a Level 2 qualification in a related subject such as science or health and social care. The course covers the knowledge and skills needed to progress to university or employment in health and social care.

Who this course is for

A BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care is equivalent in size to two A-Levels. This qualification has been designed to account for two-thirds of a two-year, full-time study programme for those studying at Ralph Thoresby Sixth Form. It is intended for those students who wish to go onto further study in a related sector. It supports access to a range of higher education courses and is well recognised by Universities and Employers.

Entry requirements

4+ GCSE English Language and/or Maths and a Level 2 qualification in a related (science or Health & Social Care).

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the principles of health, wellbeing, and care in a range of settings.
  • You'll develop understanding of human biology and how it relates to health conditions.
  • You'll study how social factors affect people's health and life chances.
  • You'll learn how care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
  • You'll examine safeguarding, ethics, and professional values in care work.
  • You'll build research and analytical skills needed for higher education in health-related subjects.

How you will learn

The BTEC National Diploma is assessed through a mix of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed exams set by Pearson Edexcel. Assignments are completed over the course of each unit and marked by your tutors. External assessments are sat at set points during the two years. Classroom sessions at Ralph Thoresby School combine taught content, group work, and independent study.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Ralph Thoresby School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support adults or older people 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 nursery or childcare settings.
  • Community care worker: provide care and support in people's homes.

What you could study next

  • Foundation Degree or BSc in Nursing, Midwifery, or Social Work: the BTEC National Diploma is recognised by universities as meeting entry requirements for many health-related degree courses.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (NVQ route): if you move into employment, this work-based qualification supports career development as a care assistant or support worker.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): an alternative university entry route if you decide to change direction after sixth form.

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