Exploring UAL Awarding Body Entry Level 3 at West London Performing Arts Academy
- Written byUAL Awarding Body
- Published date 03 September 2025
Finding the right starting point for young people isn’t always easy. For learners with additional needs, traditional routes can sometimes feel limiting or inaccessible. That’s why UAL Awarding Body’s Entry Level 3 qualifications were created – to give every learner the chance to explore their creativity whilst taking steps towards their future!
The Entry Level 3 qualifications are specifically aimed at pre-16 and 16-19 year olds who may have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Additional Learning Needs (ALN). They don’t require any formal entry requirements, just an interest in discovering and developing creative skills.
Instead of focusing on exams, learners build a portfolio of creative work over the year. This allows them to explore ideas and reflect on what they’ve learned along the student. This flexible approach means the course structure can adapt to the student, rather than the other way around.
The Entry Level 3 Certificate can help students gain practical and personal skills that will support them well beyond the classroom, such as:
- Confidence in communication
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Creative problem solving
- Independence and enquiry
- Safe and sustainable working practices.
Above all, these qualifications create a space for learners to find their voice through creativity!
For a closer look, we spoke to Ms Michelle Welch, Headteacher of West London Performing Arts Academy (WLPA) which started delivering Entry Level 3 for the first time this year.
“We have many students who are eager to continue their education; however, we've found that many exam boards do not offer courses that truly accommodate the needs of SEND learners specifically. This course provided the flexibility we needed to support each student’s unique pathway, both academically and holistically. The Entry Level 3 Certificate was exactly what we were looking for. Thank you, UAL Awarding Body.”
That flexibility was very quickly translated into real impact. One student, who had previously found it difficult to enter the space, discovered a passion for comedy and improvisation. Another, who was developing their speech and language skills, gained the confidence to perform a full song. The Visual Diaries became a massive hit with students as well, with many finding inspiration through reflecting and writing at their own pace.
Michelle also noticed that the joy of collaboration came in handy, too!
"This course allowed students to experience more workshop settings, the opportunity to collaborate and throw out ideas, exploring a variety of ways to communicate. It was clear that each student discovered something about themselves.”
Completing Entry Level 3 can open the door to further qualifications, including: UAL Level 1 Diplomas in Art, Design and Media or Music, Performing and Production Arts. Some learners may go on to GCSEs in subjects like Drama or Art and Design, while others may find new confidence to step into community projects or work experience in creative industries.
The UAL Entry Level 3 Certificates prove that qualifications can be flexible and inspiring. By focusing on creativity, it helps young people grow in confidence to see themselves as artists and creatives in their own right.
Find out more about Entry Level 3 on our qualifications page!