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About the course
The T Level Foundation Year: Animal Care course is a specially designed 16-to-18 study programme aimed at developing the skills, experience, knowledge and behaviours necessary for success in T Level Animal Management and Behaviour course. This programme is ideal for students who are not yet ready to start a T Level but show the potential to progress after completing a tailored preparation programme.
This course will run across two sites – Tiggywinkles in Haddenham for the Animal Care qualification, and Buckinghamshire College Group’s Aylesbury Campus for the Science qualification (along with any Maths & English needed).
You will gain a Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care, a Level 2 Award in the First Principles of Applied Science and a Level 2 Award in Employability Skills.
English/Maths: 16-18 year old students will be required to take English and Maths classes at the Buckinghamshire College Group (Aylesbury campus) if they do not have 9-4 / A*-C grade GCSEs. This is part of the Animal Care programme of study, and does not require any additional application for these classes.
Level 3 qualifications
Click the link below to find out more about the Level 3 – Animal Management course and the Level 3 – Practical Skills course.
Course Progression
As part of the T Level Foundation Animal Care programme, you will be given support in moving into the industry.
On achieving your T Level Foundation course, some students may wish to progress to the T Level Animal Management & Behaviour qualification to gain an in-depth insight into the techniques and science of animal management. Alternatively, students could take the Level 3 Practical Animal Care Skills qualification to enhance their husbandry skills and animal handling confidence.
Course Start
Course Length
Location
Days & Entry Requirements
Two week days, plus one day at the weekend, every week for the duration of the course. 16-18 year olds requiring English or Maths classes will additionally need to attend lessons at the Buckinghamshire College Group.
Note: Courses run from September to end of July – with two weeks off at Christmas and two weeks at Easter. We do NOT break for half-terms or bank holidays.
4 GCSEs at grade 3 / D-E or above, including English and Maths.
Independent study skills are required to work at this level. All students need to be enthusiastic, complete a successful interview, and attend every day of a hands-on practical trial week.
Mandatory units
At Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital:
- Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
- Undertake Practical Animal Feeding
- Maintain Animal Accommodation
- Understand British Wildlife Species, Habitats and Rehabilitation
- Extensive practical husbandry experience
At Buckinghamshire College:
- Principles of science
- Chemistry of our Earth
- Energy of our Universe
- Biology and our Environment
- (Plus Maths & English classes if required)
2025/27 – Fees & Funding Support
On enrolment, ALL students will be required to purchase and wear uniform tops (this is not covered by course fees).
Students aged 16-18 are exempt from tuition and registration fees.
What careers could this lead to?
Completing this course opens the door to a wide range of exciting careers working with animals, such as kennels and catteries, pet shops, pet sitting or dog walking, zoos and wildlife parks and welfare organisations.
This qualification also provides a strong foundation for further study. Many students progress to a Level 3 Practical Animal Care Skills qualification to enhance their husbandry skills and animal handling confidence, or the T-Level in Animal Management and Behaviour.
If you’re dreaming of working hands-on in animal care, this course is a great first step.
