BTec Level 3 Extended Diploma ? Anyone any experience

[whyamibothering]

Now I know my son will not be staying at his current school for sixth form owing to their timetabling of subjects, have applied to colleges for BTec Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport Science.

I've heard this equates to 3 A Levels and is marked on the Pass, Merit and Distinction criteria. Son would also be studying A Level Business, if plans come to fruition.

Does anyone have experience of this BTec course? I have heard a lot of negativity surrounding BTec in that it should only be offered to lesser academic students. Don't quite understand that if it's equivalent to 3 A Levels.

Prospectuses do say it is a stepping stone to uni entrance, but do universities view it in the same league as A Levels.

Son eventually aiming at Loughborough for Sport, hopefully by then aiming at England honours for his sport. Current school confirm he cannot stay and choose the subjects he wants despite being predicted 10 x B and above GCSE's. Am I really selling him short or are A Levels really the only way to go?

Advice appreciated.

[Minx179]

I think there is a significant degree of contention around BTEC's being classed as equivalent to X GCSE's/A levels; ie they are not.

Why don't you contact L'boro Uni to see if they accept pupils with BTEC Sport Science or if they prefer A levels?