Progression
Pathway
A personalised, accredited route into further education, training, or employment for young people aged 16-25. Whether learning in-venue or online, our curriculum blends digital creativity, technical skills, and personal development.
We specialise in supporting learners with SEND, SEMH, and EHCPs — offering trauma-informed mentoring and structured progression that builds confidence, resilience, and employability.
Understanding the Qualifications
All qualifications are NOCN Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development (SETPD) — Ofqual regulated and nationally recognised. Our course names (like "Creative Computing") are the Player Ready branding for our curated package of SETPD units.
Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Each qualification size has a set number of Guided Learning Hours — the time a learner spends being taught or supervised. This determines how long the qualification takes to complete. For example, a learner attending 6 hours per week would complete a 60-hour Award in approximately 10 weeks.
| Size | GLH | E3 | L1 | L2 | L3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Award | ~60 hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Certificate | ~180 hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diploma | ~370 hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
At 6 hours/week: Award ≈ 10 weeks • Certificate ≈ 30 weeks • Diploma ≈ 1 academic year
The Progression Pathway
Four stages from re-engagement to advanced qualifications. Each learner progresses at their own pace, building on their achievements.
Foundation & Re-engagement
Building confidence, consistency, and participation
Learners begin with 1:1 or small-group sessions that reintroduce them to structured learning. Using engaging tools like Minecraft Education, Roblox Studio, Blender, Unity, and Unreal Engine, they explore digital creativity while developing routine and trust. AQA Unit Awards are bite-sized qualifications with no set hours — perfect for early wins that build momentum.
AQA Unit Awards
Smaller, bite-sized qualifications with no set number of hours to complete. Recognised achievements that build a foundation for NOCN progression.
Example Units:
Entry Level 3 — Creative Computing
Structured qualifications in digital skills and personal development
Learners progress into Ofqual-regulated NOCN qualifications that combine digital creativity with personal development. They work through structured projects, build a digital portfolio, and develop skills recognised by colleges and employers. Entry Level 3 is the starting point for formal accreditation.
NOCN SETPD Entry Level 3
Award (~60 GLH), Certificate (~180 GLH), or Diploma (~370 GLH). Our E3 courses include Creative Computing Award and Foundations in Creative Computing Certificate — curated packages of SETPD units.
Available Modules:
Creative Computing Award (6 credits)▼
Foundations in Creative Computing Certificate (18 credits)▼
Level 1-2 — Digital Skills & Employability
Industry-relevant skills, work preparation, and growing independence
Learners advance to Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications that develop transferable, industry-relevant skills. Alongside technical modules, employability units like Work Experience Preparation and Career Planning prepare learners for their next steps. Regular reviews link learning outcomes to EHCP objectives and personal goals.
NOCN SETPD Level 1 and Level 2
Award (~60 GLH), Certificate (~180 GLH), or Diploma (~370 GLH) at each level. Our courses include Digital Skills Certificate (L1) and Advanced Digital Skills Award (L2). Plus optional AQA Unit Award top-ups in employability.
Available Modules:
Level 1 — Digital Skills Certificate (18 credits)▼
Level 2 — Advanced Digital Skills Award (6 credits)▼
Employability Top-Ups (AQA Unit Awards)▼
Level 3 & Beyond
Advanced qualifications, UCAS points, and transition planning
For learners ready to go further, Level 3 NOCN qualifications carry UCAS points for university applications. At this stage, learners take full ownership of projects, build an exit portfolio with certificates and mentor references, and prepare for their chosen destination — whether that's further education, apprenticeships, or employment.
NOCN SETPD Level 3
Award (~60 GLH) or Certificate (~180 GLH) — no Diploma at Level 3. Level 3 SETPD qualifications carry UCAS points. Each learner creates an exit portfolio to support onward applications.
Example Units:
How We Deliver
Flexible, trauma-informed delivery that meets learners where they are.
In-Venue Delivery
Available in Plymouth, Truro, Exeter, Taunton, and Portsmouth. 1:1 and small group sessions within structured, safe, and creative hubs. Access to hands-on technology including green-screen studios, robotics, and 3D printing.
Online Delivery
Live 1:1 sessions via our secure platform. Tailored digital learning projects and interactive mentoring. Safe, moderated environment aligned with KCSIE 2025. Available nationwide.
Qualified Mentors
All mentors hold enhanced DBS, AET Level 3 training (for NOCN qualifications), and subject expertise in digital technology or creative media to degree and/or Masters level.
Trauma-Informed Approach
We specialise in supporting learners with SEND, SEMH, and EHCPs. Every session is built around trust, safety, and positive engagement before academic expectations.
Where It Leads
Learners completing the pathway can progress to a range of meaningful destinations.
Further Education
College courses in computing, game design, media, or creative technology.
Apprenticeships
Digital media, IT support, coding, or customer service apprenticeships.
Supported Internships
Structured workplace experiences with ongoing mentoring and support.
Employment
Entry-level roles in digital, retail, creative industries, and more.
Higher-Level Qualifications
NOCN Level 3 qualifications that carry UCAS points for university applications.
Each learner has the option to create an exit portfolio including certificates, project work, and a reference from their mentor to support onward applications.
Monitoring & Support
Progress is reviewed every half term with input from all stakeholders.
Individual Learning Plans
Every learner has a personalised ILP reviewed and updated each half term, linking activities to EHCP outcomes and personal goals.
Session-by-Session Reporting
Progress notes and attendance sent to the referrer after each session. No surprises, full transparency.
Mentor & Learner Reflections
Structured self-assessment and mentor observations feed into progress reviews and portfolio evidence.
Accreditation Tracking
All qualifications tracked through AQA and NOCN systems with real-time progress visibility for learners and referrers.
Wellbeing Integration
Wellbeing check-ins, mentoring, and progression planning are integrated throughout — not bolted on as an afterthought.
Ready to Level Up a Learner's Future?
Whether you're a parent, school, local authority, or young person yourself — we'd love to hear from you. Flexible start dates, no waiting lists, and a genuine passion for helping young people succeed.
Download our Post-16 Progression Pathway PDF to share with colleagues or families.