Normally 3 days per week at college, 1-2 days at the work placement. College days are normally 9:00-4:15. Approx. 60% theory work and 40% practical work whilst at college, 100% practical work whilst at the work placement. The level 2 is a one year course whilst the level 3 course lasts two years. 

After a level 2 course, you can aim to become a groundsperson or a plant nursery assistant. Most of our students either work full time or progress on to a level 3 course at the end of this programme. 

With a level 3 qualification, you can aim at roles within the industry with greater responsibility and independence, such as team leader, garden design assistant and landscaper. About 60% of our students choose full-time employment at the end of this course, 30% go onto university studies or further training and approx. 10% take a gap year. 

Students are required to complete 150 hours per year on work experience and you are usually expected to find your own placement, but if you’re having difficulties, don’t worry – our staff will be able to help and point you in the right direction and our Work Placement Co-ordinators are on hand to help too. 

For Level 2 courses you will need four GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above, to include two from English, Maths and Science, with at least a grade 2 (E) in the remaining subject. 

For Level 3 courses you will need four GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, to include two from English, Maths and Science, with at least a grade 3 (D) in the remaining subject. 

Level 2: there is one general exam and one health and safety exam. All are multiple choices. There is also a practical and written assessment later on in the year that aims at capturing the overall strengths of the candidates.  

Level 3: there is one general exam that covers the 3 main subjects. This is a written exam with open questions. There is also a health and safety multiple choice test to pass. Finally, a practical and written assessment takes place later on in the year that aims at capturing the overall strengths of the candidates. 

A full Level 3 Extended Diploma (2 years) with distinctions in every module is equivalent to 168 UCAS points or the same as 3 A-level grades at A* (56 UCAS points for one A*).  Pass grades across all modules is equivalent to 48 UCAS points. 

You get additional UCAS points if you choose to complete the T-levels (by working 315 hours in the industry instead of 150 hours).  

Normally between 8 and 15. 

None in particular. The strong recommendation is that you secure a work placement you enjoy and motivates you during the course. 

For both level 2 and level 3 you need steel toe capped boots and either a coverall or suitable working trousers. Gloves can be provided if required. During the second year of the level 3 course you might be encouraged to buy a few ink pens and drawing material.