Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Cheltenham. Classes run at Balcarras School Cheltenham. This two-year, full-time daytime course builds the specialist knowledge and skills the health and social care sector requires. You'll study applied units covering the breadth of theory and practice needed to work in care or to move into higher education. Entry requires at least two grade 6s and three grade 5s at GCSE, including grade 5 or above in both maths and English. No prior health and social care study is needed.
Who this course is for
This qualification will provide learners with the opportunity, through applied learning, to develop the core specialist knowledge, skills and understanding required in the health and social care sector. Learners will take units which provide the breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare them to study in a Higher Education Institution either on a health and social care-related degree course or to support an application for a range of other degree courses.
Entry requirements
The minimum requirement for entry to the sixth form is 2 grade 6s and 3 grade 5s in full GCSE courses. These must include a grade 5 or above in both mathematics and English language or literature. Students do not need to have studied health and social care in Key Stage 4.
What you will learn
You'll develop core knowledge of health and social care principles and practice.
You'll explore how care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
You'll study human development, health, and wellbeing across the life course.
You'll examine safeguarding, ethics, and professional values in care settings.
You'll build understanding of communication and relationships in care contexts.
You'll apply learning to real scenarios through applied, practical units.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Balcarras School Cheltenham, combining taught sessions with applied learning activities. Assessment is unit-based, using a mix of coursework, assignments, and practical tasks that reflect real situations in health and social care. Some units may include externally set or marked assessments as specified by OCR. Full-time daytime attendance is required across the two-year course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Balcarras School Cheltenham 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.
Support worker: work with adults with learning disabilities or mental health needs.
Senior care assistant: supervise and lead a small care team.
Early years practitioner: work in childcare or family support services.
Community health worker: deliver health promotion in community settings.
What you could study next
Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: the qualification is designed to support university applications, particularly for health and social care-related degrees.
BSc Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Learning Disabilities): entry route into registered nursing at university.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care: for those moving into management roles after gaining work experience.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): an alternative university entry route if you want to change direction later.
