Study skills assessment and education support

There is an education entry requirement to this programme. If you do not have the required qualifications, please do apply and we will guide you with the next steps in becoming a police constable. There is support and options available to you in getting the qualifications that you need. 

Individuals who do not have the required level 2 qualifications in English and Maths (GCSE A to C/ level 4 to 9 or equivalent), or do not have the level 3 qualifications of 64+ UCAS points, will have their information passed by Kent Police to Anglia Ruskin University, who will then offer a Study Skills Assessment to further assess your suitability to join us.

This online assessment is run by Skills Forward, a charitable organisation and Anglia Ruskin University’s supplier for the Study Skills Assessment. Skills Forward have contracts with organisations such as the Department of Work and Pensions, universities and the military, to assess the level of an individuals ability to learn, in terms of their previous career history and current skill sets. Anglia Ruskin University will support you with this process.

Please see the eligible roles in career experience to find out if your current role will allow you to join without the required qualifications.

Alternatively, you may wish to gain your level 3 qualifications and/or consider joining us as a special constable (volunteer police officer). Special constables volunteer for a minimum of 16 hours per month.

Level 2 qualifications

• GCSE Grade C or level 4 in Maths and English (or ESFA recognised equivalent functional skills)

Level 3 qualifications

Points can be accrued through various level 3 qualification types including:

• A-levels
• BTECs
• NVQ level 3

If you are unsure what level your qualification equates to, please visit the GOV.UK website.

Should you wish to undertake level 3 qualifications there are a number of providers including:

• icslearn.co.uk
• UK Open College
• further education establishments such as local colleges
• adult education centres

All courses you take will be at your own expense.

Career experience

• Kent Police staff who have worked and completed their probation period and contractual time periods
• Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)
• Special constables who have achieved independent patrol status 
• Armed forces (minimum of four years experience and has achieved an exemplary reference on discharge)