IN AUGUST each year thousands of students across the country wait in anticipation for theirA-Levelresults - and even more prepare to receive their BTEC grades.
But the way the qualifications are graded can be a little confusing - here's everything you need to know.
What do BTEC results mean?
BTECsare vocational qualifications that can be taken in a number of different sectors including childcare, construction and hospitality.
Qualifications are usually graded from a pass (P) up to a distinction* (D*).
Each mark is equivalent to a letter grade at A-Level and a certain number of UCAS points.
Distinction* is the highest grade you can achieve, which indicates outstanding performance and is similar to an 8+ at GCSE level and an A* at A-Level.
Below that is a distinction (an A), merit (a C), and a pass (E).
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BTEC results
Distinction* (D*) – equivalent to an A* at A-level and 56 UCAS points
Distinction (D) – equivalent to an Aand 48 UCAS points
Merit (M) – equivalent to a C and 32 UCAS points
Pass (P) – equivalent to an E and 16 UCAS points
Near pass (N) – not available for all courses
Unclassified (U) - fail
Depending on the size, length and level of the course, students may receive one, two or three grades on their final results day.
Once the BTEC is complete, all unit grades are converted into a points score, which then creates your overall grade.
Final results are released just like A-level and GCSE grades.
This is the case whether it is a BTEC First (entry level to Level 2), BTEC National (Level 3 - similar to A-levels), and BTEC Apprenticeships (Level 2 to 5).
If exams played a role, there will be the opportunity to resit these in the autumn, as well as internal assessments.
For all students, regardless of their course type, priority will be given to those whose grades greatly impact their chances of further education or training.
Distinction (D) – equivalent to an A. Merit (M) – equivalent to a C. Pass (P) – equivalent to an E. Near pass (N) – this grade is available on most Btec Nationals. It means that you may still be able to pass the overall course without having passed every individual unit.
The BTEC level 3 equivalent is A-level. BTECs at levels 1 and 2 are equivalent to GCSEs, with levels 4 to 7 holding the same status of achievement as a degree.
The highest-grade being Distinction star and the lowest grade Pass. * For BTEC, see BTEC qualifications. A* to E = Grade A* is the highest grade and E is the lowest grade. A grade 'U' may be awarded, this is where the paper or overall grade has been considered ungradable.
How Btec grades work. There are four grades you can receive in a Btec, a pass (P), merit (M), distinction (D) and distinction* (D*). Pass is the lowest and distinction* is the highest. Depending on the size of your course, you may receive one, two or three grades.
If you are taking a BTEC First then you can get a Level 1 Pass, this is equal to a grade 1 or G at GCSE level. If you are taking one of the BTEC Nationals then the lowest grade you can get is Near Pass, which at A level would be considered a U.
The qualifications are fully recognised as holding equivalences to GCSEs. For example, a Level 2 BTEC First Diploma is worth the equivalent of 4 GCSEs grade A*-C. This means a student can do a Level 2 BTEC First independently alongside GCSEs, or work towards them both in the same subject area.
They're less academic than A-levels, providing a more practical and hands-on way of learning, and you can choose from over 2,000 Btecs across 16 sectors. Btecs are an increasingly popular alternative to A-levels, although you can also take Btecs at all sorts of levels, including the equivalent to GCSEs and degrees.
Distinction* is the highest grade you can achieve, which indicates outstanding performance and is similar to an 8+ at GCSE level and an A* at A-Level. Below that is a distinction (an A), merit (a C), and a pass (E).
A+, A, A- indicates excellent performance. B+, B, B- indicates good performance. C+, C, C- indicates satisfactory performance. D+, D, D- indicates less than satisfactory performance. F indicates unsatisfactory performance (no credit: always include last date of attendance).
Passing Grade -The grades O, A, B, C, D, E are passing grades. A candidate acquiring any one of these grades in a course shall be declared as pass. And student shall earn the credits for a course only if the student gets passing grade in that course. F Grade -The grade F shall be treated as a failure grade.
For example, a Level 2 BTEC First Diploma is worth the equivalent of 4 GCSEs grade A*-C. This means a student can do a Level 2 BTEC First independently alongside GCSEs, or work towards them both in the same subject area. These are Level 2 qualifications, the equivalent of traditional GCSEs grades A*- C.
BTEC Higher Nationals are internationally-recognised higher education qualifications at level 4 and 5 that are equivalent to the first and second years of a university degree, providing progression to both university and employment.
Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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