Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in St Neots. Classes run at Longsands Academy. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English, Maths, and Science. This two-year, full-time daytime health and social care course covers the foundations of health science, social care, and childcare. It sits alongside other Level 3 subjects as part of a broader programme of study. Completing it opens routes into higher education, further training, or roles in care.
Who this course is for
If you're thinking about a career in health science, social care or childcare this course will give you an introduction to the sector whilst allowing you to study other subjects alongside it. Equivalent in size to one A Level, if you take it as part of a programme of study that includes other work related or academic Level 3 qualifications it can help you to move on to to a wide range of higher education and training opportunities.
Entry requirements
5 GCSE's including English, Maths and science at grade 5 (C) or above.
What you will learn
You'll explore the principles of health, wellbeing, and social care practice.
You'll study human development across the life stages.
You'll examine how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
You'll learn about safeguarding, equality, and the rights of people who use care services.
You'll develop understanding of communication in health and social care settings.
You'll investigate factors that affect health and wellbeing, including lifestyle and environment.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in the classroom at Longsands Academy through a mix of taught sessions, research tasks, and coursework assignments. Assessment is through a combination of internally assessed units and externally assessed components set by OCR. You'll build a portfolio of work alongside sitting exams, depending on the units within your programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Longsands Academy 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.
Childcare worker: work in nurseries, schools, or family support roles.
Social care worker: support vulnerable adults or young people in the community.
Mental health support worker: assist people managing mental health conditions.
What you could study next
Level 3 A Levels: combine with this qualification to strengthen a university application.
Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: the natural next step into higher education, building directly on this qualification.
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (NVQ route): for those moving into employment and wanting a work-based qualification.
Nursing or Social Work degree: this qualification supports applications to regulated professional training programmes.
