An accessible Level 3 qualification for young people aged 14+, equivalent in size and academic level to one A Level.
The Level 3 Diploma in Sustainability and Green Skills is a brand new qualification we’re developing with Open Awards.
Starts 18th January 2027
Designed for young people aged 14 and over, The Level 3 Diploma in Sustainability has been created for learners who are ready for higher-level study and want to develop specialist knowledge in sustainability and green skills.
Once published, it will become an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma, equivalent in size and academic level to one A Level.
Unlike traditional Level 3 qualifications, this Diploma has been designed from the outset around our accessible, neuroaffirming approach to learning. It will be portfolio based, with no exams, offering a more flexible route to higher-level study without compromising academic standards.
Open Awards has approved qualification development, now we are building it!
Over the coming months we'll work with universities, employers, subject specialists and our learners to develop a qualification that reflects the latest research, the needs of the future
We expect the full curriculum and module breakdown to be published by Christmas 2026, well in advance of the planned January 2027 start.
Our Level 3 Diploma is the next stage in Adventure Green's progression pathway, taking learners from Level 2 into higher education, apprenticeships and the green economy.
Our first cohort will be intentionally small, allowing us to provide every learner with individual support while continuing to gather valuable feedback that will help shape the qualification for future cohorts. Places will be limited, so if you think this could be the right next step for your child, we recommend registering your interest early.
The Level 3 Diploma in Sustainability is for young people aged 14 and over who are ready for Level 3 study and want to develop specialist knowledge in sustainability and green skills.
It may be a good fit for your child if they:
are passionate about sustainability, the environment and the future of our planet
have completed one of our Level 2 qualifications, or are ready to progress to Level 3 study
are interested in university, green apprenticeships or future careers in the growing green economy
would benefit from a more accessible approach to learning
are neurodivergent, have SEND, experience anxiety or simply learn best outside of traditional exam-based education
are looking for an alternative to exam-heavy qualifications while still working towards the same Level 3 academic standard.
Yes. In fact, we've designed the Diploma to make higher-level study more accessible for many neurodivergent young people and learners with SEND.
The qualification itself is not easier. Learners are expected to understand and apply Level 3 concepts and work towards the same academic standard as every other student studying the Diploma.
What we've changed is how learners are supported to achieve it. Through portfolio-based assessment, flexible study, bite-sized learning, extended timeframes and ongoing tutor support, learners can demonstrate what they know in ways that better reflect their strengths.
If your child has already completed one of our Level 2 qualifications, or is progressing successfully through one, we'd generally expect them to be well prepared for the next stage.
If they haven't studied with Adventure Green before, we'd be happy to discuss their previous learning, interests and readiness for Level 3 study to help you decide whether this is the right next step.
Not sure if this qualification is the right fit?
We've changed how learners demonstrate their knowledge, not what they're expected to achieve. Through portfolio-based assessment, flexible study and ongoing support, more young people can access higher-level learning without compromising academic standards.
Adventure Green was established to deliver inclusive, nationally regulated qualifications in sustainability and climate education, helping young people build a greener future.
Our mission is to help build an inclusive and diverse green economy by creating opportunities for young people whose talents and perspectives are often overlooked in traditional education. We believe that creativity, curiosity and different ways of thinking have an important role to play in solving the environmental challenges of the future.
Rather than adapting a traditional qualification, we’re developing something entirely new from the ground up, combining rigorous academic standards with our own accessible, neuroaffirming approach to learning.
This qualification is the next stage in our progression pathway, preparing learners for higher education, apprenticeships and the future green workforce while remaining accessible to those who may not thrive through traditional approaches to education.
At Adventure Green, we've seen many young people rediscover a love of learning through small, achievable steps, practical activities and consistent support.
"We believe accessibility shouldn't mean lowering expectations. It should mean removing unnecessary barriers so more young people have the opportunity to succeed."
Hannah Broughton MBE, Founder of Adventure Green
Want to learn more about Adventure Green or discuss whether this pathway is right for your child? Book a call or message our team on WhatsApp.
Build a deeper understanding of sustainability, climate change and the environmental challenges shaping our future. Explore how sustainability influences industries including business, healthcare, education, engineering, construction and technology, while developing the higher-level knowledge expected of a Level 3 qualification.
Develop the knowledge and transferable skills increasingly valued by universities, apprenticeships and employers. As the UK's green economy continues to grow, learners will be well prepared to progress into further study and a wide range of careers contributing to a more sustainable future.
Grow in confidence as an independent learner through a supportive, accessible approach to Level 3 study. Over two years, learners will develop the resilience, critical thinking and self-management skills needed to progress successfully to higher education, apprenticeships or employment.
Throughout the two-year programme, learners will:
study online through a series of structured, bite-sized learning modules
work through weekly learning activities and build their knowledge over time
attend regular live sessions to explore topics in greater depth and connect with tutors and other learners
receive ongoing tutor feedback and support throughout the programme
build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates their knowledge and understanding as they progress
study flexibly, with extended timeframes that allow learners to learn at a pace that works for them.
The Level 3 Diploma in Sustainability starts on 18th January 2027 and runs over two years.
The Level 3 Diploma costs £895.
You can choose from two payment plans: £37.30 per month for 24 months or £75 per month for 12 months or pay a deposit of £75 now and set up remaining payments in December 2026.
Open Awards has approved the development of our new Level 3 Diploma. We're now working with universities, employers, subject specialists and learners to develop a qualification that is academically rigorous, professionally relevant and engaging for the young people studying it.
1. With Universities
To ensure the qualification supports progression into higher education and reflects the knowledge and skills universities value.
2. With Employers
To understand the skills needed for the future green workforce across a range of industries.
3. With Subject Specialists
To ensure the curriculum is informed by current research and best practice in sustainability and environmental education.
4. With Learners
Young people who enrol on the first cohort will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the qualification, helping shape the topics, themes and areas of sustainability they feel are most important for the future.
The full curriculum and module breakdown will be published by Christmas 2026, ahead of the planned January 2027 launch.
We're working with Open Awards to confirm the qualification's UCAS Tariff points, helping universities recognise the Diploma as part of the admissions process where appropriate.
The Level 3 Diploma in Sustainability will become an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification. Equivalent in size and academic level to one A Level, it provides a recognised pathway for learners who want to continue their education while developing specialist knowledge in sustainability and green skills.
The qualification will be studied over two years and assessed through a portfolio of evidence completed throughout the programme, rather than formal examinations. Learners will build and demonstrate their knowledge over time while working towards the same academic standard expected of any Level 3 qualification.
At Adventure Green, we believe accessibility shouldn't mean lowering expectations. It should mean removing unnecessary barriers so more young people have the opportunity to succeed.
From the very beginning, we've designed this qualification around our accessible, neuroaffirming approach to learning. Rather than adapting a traditional course, we've created a Level 3 Diploma that maintains the same academic standard while making higher-level study more accessible for many learners, including those who are neurodivergent, have SEND, experience anxiety or simply learn best outside of traditional exam-based education.
Through flexible study, bite-sized learning, extended timeframes and ongoing tutor support, learners can demonstrate what they know in ways that better reflect their strengths.
Choosing portfolio assessment does not make the qualification easier.
Learners are still expected to understand, apply and evaluate Level 3 concepts, meeting the same academic standard expected of any other Level 3 Diploma equivalent in size and academic level to one A Level.
What changes is how learners demonstrate their knowledge, not what they're expected to achieve.
By removing unnecessary barriers to assessment rather than lowering expectations, we're creating a qualification that is both academically rigorous and genuinely accessible, helping more young people realise their potential and progress to higher education, apprenticeships and the future green workforce.
Unlike many Level 3 qualifications, the Diploma is not assessed through formal examinations.
Instead of relying on a single exam at the end of the course, learners demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a range of assessment activities completed throughout the programme.
This approach reduces the pressure of high-stakes testing while allowing learners to develop and evidence their understanding over time.
Throughout the two-year programme, learners build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates the knowledge and skills they've developed. Learners will build a portfolio through a range of assessment activities, with regular tutor feedback and support throughout the course. Rather than trying to demonstrate everything on one day, learners build evidence gradually as their understanding develops.
For many young people, this provides a more accurate reflection of what they know and can do, while creating a structured pathway towards achieving a substantial Level 3 qualification.
The Level 3 Diploma in Sustainability has been designed to prepare learners for the next stage of their education and future career. It provides a recognised Level 3 qualification that supports progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
For learners considering university, the Diploma provides an opportunity to develop specialist knowledge in sustainability and green skills while studying at Level 3. As part of the development process, we're working with universities to ensure the qualification reflects the knowledge and skills they value.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important across industries including business, engineering, construction, healthcare, education, agriculture and technology. The Diploma will help learners develop the knowledge and transferable skills needed to progress into green apprenticeships and the growing range of careers contributing to a more sustainable future.
The Diploma forms the next stage of Adventure Green's progression pathway, building on the knowledge and skills developed through our Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications. It provides a strong foundation for further study and professional development, while opening doors to a wide range of future opportunities.
The world is changing rapidly, and with it, the knowledge and skills young people will need for the future.
Sustainability is no longer confined to environmental careers. Whether working in engineering, construction, business, healthcare, education, agriculture, manufacturing or technology, understanding sustainability is becoming an increasingly valuable skill.
This Diploma has been created to help young people develop the knowledge, confidence and understanding they'll need to thrive in a changing world, while preparing them for higher education, apprenticeships and future careers.
The green economy is one of the UK's fastest-growing employment sectors. Employment within the UK's net zero economy is growing more than four times faster than the wider employment market, with hundreds of thousands of new green jobs expected over the coming years.
As organisations across every sector work towards a more sustainable future, demand continues to grow for people who understand sustainability and can help shape innovative, practical solutions. Our Level 3 Diploma has been designed to help learners develop the knowledge and transferable skills needed to progress into higher education, green apprenticeships and the careers of the future.
Meeting the challenges of the future isn't simply about training more people. It's about recognising the value of people who think differently.
Creating a more sustainable world will require creativity, innovation and fresh perspectives. Neurodivergent young people and others who learn differently often bring strengths such as curiosity, original thinking, pattern recognition and creative problem-solving, all of which have an important role to play in building a greener future.
At Adventure Green, we're passionate about creating accessible pathways into the green economy, ensuring more young people have the opportunity to contribute their talents and fulfil their potential.
Choosing portfolio assessment does not make the qualification easier.
Learners are still expected to understand, apply and evaluate Level 3 concepts, meeting the same academic standard expected of any other Level 3 Diploma equivalent in size and academic level to one A Level.
What changes is how learners demonstrate their knowledge, not what they're expected to achieve.
By removing unnecessary barriers to assessment rather than lowering expectations, we're creating a qualification that is both academically rigorous and genuinely accessible, helping more young people realise their potential and progress to higher education, apprenticeships and the future green workforce.
Choosing the right Level 3 qualification is an important decision. Below are some of the questions we're most often asked by parents considering the Diploma.
Yes. In fact, we've designed the Diploma to make higher-level study more accessible for many neurodivergent young people and learners with SEND.
The qualification itself is not easier. Learners are expected to understand and apply Level 3 concepts and work towards the same academic standard as every other student studying the Diploma.
What we've changed is how learners are supported to achieve it. Through portfolio-based assessment, bite-sized learning, flexible study, extended timeframes and ongoing tutor support, learners can demonstrate what they know in ways that better reflect their strengths.
Learners who have successfully completed one of our Level 2 qualifications, or who are currently progressing well through one, will generally be well prepared for the next stage.
If your child hasn't studied with Adventure Green before, we'd be happy to discuss their previous learning, interests and readiness for Level 3 study to help you decide whether the Diploma is the right fit.
Yes. This will be a substantial Level 3 Diploma. Learners are expected to meet the same Level 3 academic standard as any other student studying an equivalent qualification. What makes this Diploma different is the accessible approach to learning and assessment, not the level of challenge.
Many parents ask this, particularly if their child has found previous educational experiences difficult.
Our first priority is helping learners succeed. Throughout the programme, they'll receive regular tutor support, encouragement and ongoing contact from our team. If circumstances change, learners can slow down, take a break or adjust their pace before continuing when they're ready.
Because learners can begin from age 14 and study over two years, there's plenty of time to make steady progress without unnecessary pressure.
Our aim is always to support learners to achieve the full Level 3 Diploma.
However, we've proposed a one-year exit point leading to a Level 3 Certificate for learners who are unable to complete the second year of study. This means that, where appropriate, learners can still leave with a substantial nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that recognises the learning they've completed, rather than leaving with nothing.
If you're unsure whether this is the right next step for your child, we'd be happy to talk through their previous learning, interests and future goals. Book a discovery call or get in touch with our team to discuss your options.
A qualification is about much more than the certificate your child achieves at the end. It's about the people they meet, the confidence they build and the experience they have along the way.
At Adventure Green, we create learning communities where young people can explore their interests alongside others who share their passion for sustainability and the natural world.
Through regular live online sessions, group discussions and collaborative learning activities, learners have opportunities to ask questions, share ideas and learn from one another. Many of our learners tell us that meeting like-minded young people is one of the most valuable parts of studying with Adventure Green.
With a small first cohort, we'll be able to get to know every learner as an individual. Our tutors provide regular feedback, encouragement and support throughout the programme, helping learners grow in confidence as well as knowledge.
Learning doesn't stop with the online modules. Throughout the year, learners will have opportunities to take part in virtual field trips, guest speaker sessions and enrichment activities, connecting their learning to the real world and exploring sustainability from a range of different perspectives.
Our first cohort will be intentionally small, creating a supportive community where learners can build friendships, exchange ideas and feel part of something from the very beginning. As one of the first groups to study the Diploma, they'll also have the opportunity to shape the future of the qualification through their ideas and feedback.
Every learner's journey is different. Some move quickly, while others benefit from a little more time and encouragement. That's why we've designed the Level 3 Diploma to provide consistent support from enrolment through to completion.
Throughout the programme, learners receive regular feedback and encouragement from our tutor team. As they build their portfolio, tutors are on hand to answer questions, provide guidance and help learners make steady progress towards their qualification.
The Diploma has been designed around flexible, bite-sized learning, allowing learners to build their knowledge over time. With extended timeframes and a portfolio-based approach to assessment, learners can progress at a pace that works for them while still meeting the same Level 3 academic standard.
We understand that circumstances can change. If a learner is finding things difficult, they don't have to choose between carrying on under pressure or giving up altogether.
Our team can support learners to slow down, take a break or adjust their pace before continuing when they're ready. The programme has been designed to encourage steady progress, not unnecessary pressure.
Our aim is always to support learners to complete the full Level 3 Diploma. By combining flexible study, regular tutor feedback and ongoing contact with our team, we help young people overcome barriers to learning while maintaining the high academic expectations of a Level 3 qualification.
Learners need to be ready to study at Level 3. If your child has already completed one of our Level 2 qualifications, or is progressing successfully through one, we would generally expect them to be well prepared for the next stage.
If your child hasn't studied with Adventure Green before, get in touch with our team. We'll be happy to discuss their previous learning and readiness for Level 3 study.
Learners should expect to spend approximately 2–3 hours per week studying. This will include a mixture of online learning, live sessions and portfolio work.
The Diploma is studied over two years, allowing learners to build their knowledge, skills and portfolio steadily rather than completing everything within a traditional academic year.
We encourage learners to attend live sessions where possible, as they're a valuable opportunity to explore topics, ask questions and learn alongside other young people. However, we understand that attending live isn't always possible, so sessions will be recorded and available to watch afterwards.
Yes. The Diploma has been designed to offer flexible online study and can be completed alongside school, home education or other qualifications. As it is equivalent in size and academic level to one A Level, we recommend considering the weekly study commitment alongside your child's other learning and commitments.
The full two-year Diploma costs £895. You can secure your child's place with a £75 deposit, with no further payments until December.
Payment plans are available at £75 per month for 12 months or £37.30 per month for 24 months.
The Level 3 Diploma in Sustainability starts on the 18th January 2027.
The first intake will be intentionally small, so we encourage enrolling early to avoid disappointment. You can enrol now with a deposit and pay nothing more until December.
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If you have any questions about the course, or want to talk through your situation you can book a 1:1 call with Georgina here: