Frequently
asked questions

We are SCL.

Search

Please enter your search term below

We are here to answer your questions.

Below are our commonly asked FAQ’s to support you with finding out more about our programmes.

If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, please give a member of our Learner Engagement team a call on 0345 6445747.

NCFE
APPLICATION
MY PROGRAMME
ENGLISH & MATHS
MY FUTURE
FINANCE
ATTENDANCE
What is an NCFE qualification?

An NCFE is a qualification that is based on practical study rather than academic study. An NCFE is a vocational qualification which means that it is internally assessed through portfolio, coursework, and practical assessment.

NCFE learners study to gain skills and knowledge in their subject area and then put those skills into practice in real-life scenarios, helping to build towards their future focus and career.

What is the difference between NCFEs and A Levels?

Both NCFEs and A Levels enable learners to progress to further education, either at college or university.

A key difference is that an NCFE provides learners with a way to learn through practical work as well as study, while an A Level typically involves more written work and exams.

What is a NCFE Level 3 equivalent to?

An NCFE Level 3 qualification provides UCAS tariff points towards university in the same way as A-levels. The first year Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 A-levels and the full two-year Extended Diploma is equivalent to a total of 3 A-levels.

For example, a final grade of Distinction* will be the equivalent of achieving 3 A-levels at an A* grade or a final grade of Merit will be the equivalent of 3 A-levels at a grade C.

What about Level 1 and Level 2?

An NCFE Level 1 is equal to one GCSE, while an NCFE Level 2 is equal to four GCSE grades A*-C.

What are the entry requirements?

You will need to be aged 16 by 31st August and ready to start the programme in early September. You will also need a UK passport and to have been a resident in the EEA for the last three years.

For entry requirements for each of SCL’s education programmes, visit Our Programmes.

Can I get into university with an NCFE qualification?

Yes, you can get into university with an NCFE qualification although this will vary depending on the entry requirements the university/college request. You must also make sure that your desired university accepts NCFEs.

Although 95% of universities do, we strongly advise that you contact your chosen university directly or visit the UCAS site to learn more.

For information about UCAS points for SCL’s education programmes, visit Our Programmes.

How many UCAS points can be achieved on an NCFE qualification?

UCAS points will vary depending on the programme that you undertake.

For information about UCAS points for SCL’s education programmes, visit Our Programmes.

For more information, you can refer to the UCAS calculator.

What happens if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

We encourage you to still attend enrolment day and speak with your prospective tutor as there may be alternative options that we can offer you.

International students can refer to NARIC, which provides vital support for students wishing to settle in the UK.

What programmes do SCL offer?

SCL deliver education programmes from Level 1 to Level 3 at over 70 education centres nationwide.

You can learn more about our programmes and find a programme under the Our Programmes tab of this website.

How can I apply for a place on one of SCL’s programmes?

We have a simple 6-step process to starting your journey with SCL.

When does the programme start?

Dependent on the programme that you are studying, your programme will begin in September.

Please ensure that you speak to your prospective tutor for information regarding your term dates as these can vary per county.

What will my timetable look like?

Your timetable will be Monday to Friday, with education taking place alongside practical sport sessions.

Timetables will vary from programme to programme. You can find out more information about timetables once you have received an offer to study with SCL.

What are the term dates?

Term dates will differ depending on programme and your area.

As part of your induction, you will be given your term dates.

What will my sports training look like? (Sports qualifications only)

Throughout your programme, you will spend a minimum of 4 hours per week focusing on your sports development, as well as opportunities to play competitively*.

*Dependent on education centre and programme

What is the Youth Development League?

The Youth Development League is sponsored by SCL. Over 60 of SCL’s education centres currently participate in the Youth Development League.

View programme page for more information.

Will I have the opportunity to gain work experience?

Yes. As a requirement of the course, your will undertake 24 hours of industry-relevant work experience.

Find out more

How will my personal development be supported?

We have invested in a Progress Coach Team; a team of experts in pastoral care, personal development, and careers.

Our passionate team of Progress coaches will deliver SCLs ‘Personal Development Programme’ which will consist of a blend of group workshops and individual development meetings aimed to add significant value to the progress and development of each learner.

Our Personal Development Programme will include key themes such as morals and values, mental health awareness, healthy relationships, digital skills, and careers.

The PDP will form part of the timetable, with a scheduled 1.5 hours per week.

In addition, the Progress Coach team will support learners through an online ‘Essentials’ programme, aiming to grow their social awareness and develop them for success.

How will my progress be monitored?

SCL aim to achieve exceptional outcomes for all of our learners, whatever that looks like for each individual.

Termly progress weeks provide the tutor and learner with high quality individualised time to focus on the learner’s journey and progress.

The purpose of these are to keep a clear line of sight to each individuals chosen destination and ensuring they are on track to achieve this.

Performance, standards and expectations akin to the professional world of work and those required to foster exceptional achievement are reviewed and regular target setting take place to support the upward trajectory of all learners, ensuring they are harnessing the power of sport to unlock their full potential.

How is my programme funded?

SCL holds a direct contract with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), the government agency accountable for funding education and skills for children, young people and adults.

As an ESFA partner, we have access to funding for the education of people aged 16-19 years. Providing that you are of the correct age and are eligible for funding, your course will be fully funded and therefore free of charge to you.

As a registered provider you can find us on the UK Register of Learning Providers.

UKPRN: 10043208

How have SCL's English and maths programmes changed?

At SCL we have invested in our English and maths programmes by hiring a team of specialists to help you succeed in these subjects.

We have rebranded our English and maths programmes to make them work for you. If you achieve a Grade D or 3 in your GCSE English and/or maths, you will be required to re-sit these exam(s) alongside your course.

If you achieve a Grade E or 2 in your GCSE English and/or maths, you will participate in functional skills English and/or maths. You will be advised whether this is a requirement during the enrolment process.

Do I need to study English and/or maths?
If you haven’t previously achieved a Level 2 equivalent (Either a grade 4 in GCSE or a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification) you will need to complete study towards these grades and be enrolled on the appropriate qualification.
What qualification(s) can I achieve?
You can achieve a full GCSE or Functional Skills qualification at the relevant level of study.
How long are the lessons?
Lessons are 2 hours a week in English and maths whether you are enrolled on Functional Skills or GCSE.
Who will teach me?
SCL have a team of English and Maths Specialists that will support you every step of the way.
Is there homework?
Occasionally you will be set homework tasks to enhance study. We also have a range of online resources that can be accessed at your leisure.
What progression routes are available?

There are a number of progression routes available for learners, including access to university, apprenticeships and further education, as well as professional and/or semi-professional sport.

Throughout your programme, you will gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that can open up pathways into a range of job roles within the sport, leisure and fitness industries.

Dependent on the programme that you choose to study and the grade you achieve, you might progress into a future career within sports, eSports, Business or Performing Arts and many more.

Find out more

What careers information, support and guidance will I receive?

Utilising best practice guidelines for the sector, we regularly benchmark ourself against contextualised “Gatsby Benchmarks” to evolve our Careers and EIAG strategy with the ever changing world of work.

Our team of Careers Leaders oversee our careers information, support & guidance strategy.

Each learner will receive impartial and relevant guidance to support a successful transition onto their next step of their professional journey, wherever that may be.

How will I be supported with my next steps upon completion of my programme?

Your next steps are driven by you, but supported and facilitated by SCL.

We have carefully planned our curriculum and qualification pathways to provide a diverse and wide-ranging set of possible destinations.

Our dedicated Careers Leaders dedicate themselves to supporting each learner understand their career options and how to get there. This is underpinned by a programme of work experience and continual development of work-ready skills.

Find out more

Will I play sport professionally?

We can’t promise you a professional contract on completion of the programme, but there have been learners who have been scouted for professional and non-professional sports clubs whilst studying with SCL.

How is my programme funded?

SCL holds a direct contract with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), the government agency accountable for funding education and skills for children, young people and adults.

As an ESFA partner, we have access to funding for the education of people aged 16-19 years. Providing that you are of the correct age and are eligible for funding, your course will be fully funded and therefore free of charge to you.

As a registered provider you can find us on the UK Register of Learning Providers.

UKPRN: 10043208

What financial support is available?

All learners enrolled onto an SCL education programme can apply for bursaries if their household income is at or below the designated threshold. You may also be entitled to receive free meals.

Find out more

 

Will I get paid on the course?

No, you won’t get paid as this is an educational programme.

Do I need a technical device or any other equipment to enable me to complete the work during the course?

You will need an IT device such as a laptop or tablet to enable you to complete the programme, but please speak to your tutor for more information. We will also send you information before 9th August prior to the start of your programme.

Additionally, you will need to consider the cost of your textbooks, travel to and from training, education and matches as well as other tools they may need to aide your studies.

Is accommodation provided?

No, learners are strongly advised to live within a reasonable distance of an SCL education centre, with easy access to public transport such as trains and buses.

How do I apply for a bursary?

Before applying, please read the policy https://scleducation.co.uk/bursary-fund-policy/

HOW TO APPLY

How do I report an absence?

To report a learners absence please complete the form below.

https://forms.office.com/e/9NPH6kP33H

NCFE
What is an NCFE qualification?

An NCFE is a qualification that is based on practical study rather than academic study. An NCFE is a vocational qualification which means that it is internally assessed through portfolio, coursework, and practical assessment.

NCFE learners study to gain skills and knowledge in their subject area and then put those skills into practice in real-life scenarios, helping to build towards their future focus and career.

What is the difference between NCFEs and A Levels?

Both NCFEs and A Levels enable learners to progress to further education, either at college or university.

A key difference is that an NCFE provides learners with a way to learn through practical work as well as study, while an A Level typically involves more written work and exams.

What is a NCFE Level 3 equivalent to?

An NCFE Level 3 qualification provides UCAS tariff points towards university in the same way as A-levels. The first year Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 A-levels and the full two-year Extended Diploma is equivalent to a total of 3 A-levels.

For example, a final grade of Distinction* will be the equivalent of achieving 3 A-levels at an A* grade or a final grade of Merit will be the equivalent of 3 A-levels at a grade C.

What about Level 1 and Level 2?

An NCFE Level 1 is equal to one GCSE, while an NCFE Level 2 is equal to four GCSE grades A*-C.

What are the entry requirements?

You will need to be aged 16 by 31st August and ready to start the programme in early September. You will also need a UK passport and to have been a resident in the EEA for the last three years.

For entry requirements for each of SCL’s education programmes, visit Our Programmes.

Can I get into university with an NCFE qualification?

Yes, you can get into university with an NCFE qualification although this will vary depending on the entry requirements the university/college request. You must also make sure that your desired university accepts NCFEs.

Although 95% of universities do, we strongly advise that you contact your chosen university directly or visit the UCAS site to learn more.

For information about UCAS points for SCL’s education programmes, visit Our Programmes.

How many UCAS points can be achieved on an NCFE qualification?

UCAS points will vary depending on the programme that you undertake.

For information about UCAS points for SCL’s education programmes, visit Our Programmes.

For more information, you can refer to the UCAS calculator.

What happens if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

We encourage you to still attend enrolment day and speak with your prospective tutor as there may be alternative options that we can offer you.

International students can refer to NARIC, which provides vital support for students wishing to settle in the UK.

APPLICATION
What programmes do SCL offer?

SCL deliver education programmes from Level 1 to Level 3 at over 70 education centres nationwide.

You can learn more about our programmes and find a programme under the Our Programmes tab of this website.

How can I apply for a place on one of SCL’s programmes?

We have a simple 6-step process to starting your journey with SCL.

MY PROGRAMME
When does the programme start?

Dependent on the programme that you are studying, your programme will begin in September.

Please ensure that you speak to your prospective tutor for information regarding your term dates as these can vary per county.

What will my timetable look like?

Your timetable will be Monday to Friday, with education taking place alongside practical sport sessions.

Timetables will vary from programme to programme. You can find out more information about timetables once you have received an offer to study with SCL.

What are the term dates?

Term dates will differ depending on programme and your area.

As part of your induction, you will be given your term dates.

What will my sports training look like? (Sports qualifications only)

Throughout your programme, you will spend a minimum of 4 hours per week focusing on your sports development, as well as opportunities to play competitively*.

*Dependent on education centre and programme

What is the Youth Development League?

The Youth Development League is sponsored by SCL. Over 60 of SCL’s education centres currently participate in the Youth Development League.

View programme page for more information.

Will I have the opportunity to gain work experience?

Yes. As a requirement of the course, your will undertake 24 hours of industry-relevant work experience.

Find out more

How will my personal development be supported?

We have invested in a Progress Coach Team; a team of experts in pastoral care, personal development, and careers.

Our passionate team of Progress coaches will deliver SCLs ‘Personal Development Programme’ which will consist of a blend of group workshops and individual development meetings aimed to add significant value to the progress and development of each learner.

Our Personal Development Programme will include key themes such as morals and values, mental health awareness, healthy relationships, digital skills, and careers.

The PDP will form part of the timetable, with a scheduled 1.5 hours per week.

In addition, the Progress Coach team will support learners through an online ‘Essentials’ programme, aiming to grow their social awareness and develop them for success.

How will my progress be monitored?

SCL aim to achieve exceptional outcomes for all of our learners, whatever that looks like for each individual.

Termly progress weeks provide the tutor and learner with high quality individualised time to focus on the learner’s journey and progress.

The purpose of these are to keep a clear line of sight to each individuals chosen destination and ensuring they are on track to achieve this.

Performance, standards and expectations akin to the professional world of work and those required to foster exceptional achievement are reviewed and regular target setting take place to support the upward trajectory of all learners, ensuring they are harnessing the power of sport to unlock their full potential.

How is my programme funded?

SCL holds a direct contract with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), the government agency accountable for funding education and skills for children, young people and adults.

As an ESFA partner, we have access to funding for the education of people aged 16-19 years. Providing that you are of the correct age and are eligible for funding, your course will be fully funded and therefore free of charge to you.

As a registered provider you can find us on the UK Register of Learning Providers.

UKPRN: 10043208

ENGLISH & MATHS
How have SCL's English and maths programmes changed?

At SCL we have invested in our English and maths programmes by hiring a team of specialists to help you succeed in these subjects.

We have rebranded our English and maths programmes to make them work for you. If you achieve a Grade D or 3 in your GCSE English and/or maths, you will be required to re-sit these exam(s) alongside your course.

If you achieve a Grade E or 2 in your GCSE English and/or maths, you will participate in functional skills English and/or maths. You will be advised whether this is a requirement during the enrolment process.

Do I need to study English and/or maths?
If you haven’t previously achieved a Level 2 equivalent (Either a grade 4 in GCSE or a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification) you will need to complete study towards these grades and be enrolled on the appropriate qualification.
What qualification(s) can I achieve?
You can achieve a full GCSE or Functional Skills qualification at the relevant level of study.
How long are the lessons?
Lessons are 2 hours a week in English and maths whether you are enrolled on Functional Skills or GCSE.
Who will teach me?
SCL have a team of English and Maths Specialists that will support you every step of the way.
Is there homework?
Occasionally you will be set homework tasks to enhance study. We also have a range of online resources that can be accessed at your leisure.
MY FUTURE
What progression routes are available?

There are a number of progression routes available for learners, including access to university, apprenticeships and further education, as well as professional and/or semi-professional sport.

Throughout your programme, you will gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that can open up pathways into a range of job roles within the sport, leisure and fitness industries.

Dependent on the programme that you choose to study and the grade you achieve, you might progress into a future career within sports, eSports, Business or Performing Arts and many more.

Find out more

What careers information, support and guidance will I receive?

Utilising best practice guidelines for the sector, we regularly benchmark ourself against contextualised “Gatsby Benchmarks” to evolve our Careers and EIAG strategy with the ever changing world of work.

Our team of Careers Leaders oversee our careers information, support & guidance strategy.

Each learner will receive impartial and relevant guidance to support a successful transition onto their next step of their professional journey, wherever that may be.

How will I be supported with my next steps upon completion of my programme?

Your next steps are driven by you, but supported and facilitated by SCL.

We have carefully planned our curriculum and qualification pathways to provide a diverse and wide-ranging set of possible destinations.

Our dedicated Careers Leaders dedicate themselves to supporting each learner understand their career options and how to get there. This is underpinned by a programme of work experience and continual development of work-ready skills.

Find out more

Will I play sport professionally?

We can’t promise you a professional contract on completion of the programme, but there have been learners who have been scouted for professional and non-professional sports clubs whilst studying with SCL.

FINANCE
How is my programme funded?

SCL holds a direct contract with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), the government agency accountable for funding education and skills for children, young people and adults.

As an ESFA partner, we have access to funding for the education of people aged 16-19 years. Providing that you are of the correct age and are eligible for funding, your course will be fully funded and therefore free of charge to you.

As a registered provider you can find us on the UK Register of Learning Providers.

UKPRN: 10043208

What financial support is available?

All learners enrolled onto an SCL education programme can apply for bursaries if their household income is at or below the designated threshold. You may also be entitled to receive free meals.

Find out more

 

Will I get paid on the course?

No, you won’t get paid as this is an educational programme.

Do I need a technical device or any other equipment to enable me to complete the work during the course?

You will need an IT device such as a laptop or tablet to enable you to complete the programme, but please speak to your tutor for more information. We will also send you information before 9th August prior to the start of your programme.

Additionally, you will need to consider the cost of your textbooks, travel to and from training, education and matches as well as other tools they may need to aide your studies.

Is accommodation provided?

No, learners are strongly advised to live within a reasonable distance of an SCL education centre, with easy access to public transport such as trains and buses.

How do I apply for a bursary?

Before applying, please read the policy https://scleducation.co.uk/bursary-fund-policy/

HOW TO APPLY

ATTENDANCE
How do I report an absence?

To report a learners absence please complete the form below.

https://forms.office.com/e/9NPH6kP33H