preentry

Preentry is a designation used in some education systems to denote learning content and qualifications that lie below the standard Entry Level. It is most commonly seen in the United Kingdom’s further education and lifelong learning sector, where it is used by certain awarding bodies and providers to classify courses designed for learners who require substantial foundational support due to disabilities, learning difficulties, or very basic literacy and numeracy needs. The term is not uniformly defined across all regions or providers, and its exact position in the qualification framework can vary by awarding body.

Preentry courses typically focus on developing essential functional skills, such as basic communication, numeracy, personal and social development, and independent living tasks. They may be delivered in college-based classes with additional support services, and sometimes in specialist or inclusive settings. Courses labeled preentry are often designed to be accessible and flexible to accommodate learners who may need multiple starts or extended time to achieve progress.

Assessment in preentry programs is usually continuous and outcomes-based rather than grade-based, with progress described in terms of competence in specific skills. Progression routes commonly lead to Entry Level courses, and from there to higher levels such as Entry Level 1–3, or to other vocational or life-skills programs. Some providers also use preentry to describe initial steps within larger foundation or access programmes.

See also: Entry level, Foundation learning, Functional skills, Vocational education.