Foundation Learning is the name given to programmes for young people aged 14-19 who are learning mainly at Entry Level or Level 1. These courses can have different names but they are all about helping you to build up your qualifications and skills so that you can move up to the next level of learning.

Because Foundation Learning is a personalised programme there is not one type of FL learner. Young people who are suitable for FL programmes may have had difficulties learning in the past, they may have special needs or health issues, they may lack confidence in themselves or they may be going through personal problems at home. In many cases you will probably need to talk to someone about whether FL is the right programme for you.

Your Foudation Learning programme will be made up of three elements that are really important to employers: 1) Knowledge, skills and understanding of your chosen job area. 2) Personal, social and employability skills. 3) Practical English, Maths and ICT for everyday use (also called 'functional skills').

Foundation Learning involves following a planned learning route that can help you to progress onto higher levels of learning such as GCSEs, 14-19 Diplomas or an Apprenticeship. By being personalised it will help you address particular issues you may have with learning and provide the support you need to overcome these.

There are different types of Foundation Learning course and you will need to check out what specific courses are offered in your school or area. A FL course could be a BTEC course, NCFE, NVQ, ASDAN or another type. It could also be that you take individual units of bigger qualifications. What they will all have in common, though, is that they will be at Entry Level or Level 1. Use the search facility on this site to help you identify the different courses at these two levels.

Rather than taking one big qualification you will be working towards a number of smaller ones and building them up. This means you only take on what you can manage and when you have enough 'credits' you could move up to the next level. Often you will take several small qualifications at the same time as this will give you more variety.

Foundation Learning is tailored to suit you and last as long as you need to develop the skills and confidence to move on. If you are on a FL course in school it may be that the course is spread over one or two years. After Year 11 you could be on a FL course for as little as three months before you are ready to move on.

Many students combine a Foundation Learning programme with GCSEs and other qualifications. This means they are gaining a mix of experiences and will have a lot more to offer when they move on. It is a good idea to talk to people around you such as parents/carers, teachers and Connexions to see what would make a good combination of courses. For some of the week you may be learning away from your school with another provider.

At the end of Year 11 some young people will progress onto an Apprenticeship, GCSEs, a 14-19 Diploma or a vocational qualification. Others will move into a job, supported employment or independent living. The qualifications achieved through your FL course will provide the stepping stones for you to move on to the route that most most suits your abilities and ambitions.