What are BTecs and how are they graded?

A BTec, which stands for the Business and Technology Education Council, is a practical qualification available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Scotland has its own vocational courses managed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

BTec courses are assessed through exams, regular coursework and projects, and sometimes placements.

BTec Firsts are Level 2 qualifications, meaning they are equivalent to GCSEs. Students often take a mixture of the two. They can be helpful for people trying to get into further education colleges.

BTec Nationals are Level 3 qualifications, so can be taken alongside or instead of A-levels.

They are studied over one or two years.

Research suggests one in four students use them as a route into university, while others gain occupation-specific skills and go straight into employment.