Step Up to Level 3 - English, Maths and Digital Skills

Our new study programmes are designed to help you strengthen your English, maths and digital skills. Theyre ideal if you want to focus on these essential subjects before progressing to the next level of your chosen vocational route or if you simply want to prioritise English and maths over a vocational course. This course will focus on GCSEs in English and Maths; if you're working towards functional skills qualifications, you'll want to consider our "Step up to Level 2" instead.

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Course Description
During this course, you'll complete up to 12 hours in English and Maths a week (six hour per subject) and working towards smashing your GCSEs at the end of the year. That's double the amount of hours that someone on a general, vocational study programme has the opportunity to study and this is the best way to get everything you need to put you in the position to achieve a grade 4 or above in your GCSEs.

On top of that, you'll also spend three hours a week working towards a nationally recognised level 2 qualification in essential digital skills for work, where you'll develop more advanced, job ready competencies across 5 key areas:
- Handling information
- Creating and editing digital content
- Communicating
- Online safety and responsibility
- Troubleshooting
Entry Requirements
You will need:
- A grade 3 in English and Maths
Course Length

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

28/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.
Course Fees

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Please note the information on this page was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change due to factors beyond our control.
Additional Information

What qualification will I achieve?

Gateway Award in Essential Digital Skills for Work Level 2 GCSE in English and / or Maths

How is my course assessed?

You will complete exams for your GCSEs qualifications and produce a portfolio of evidence with both practical tasks and assignments for your essential digital skills course.