>> The difference do qualifications make to pay

The higher your qualifications, the more you are likely to earn

Average gross weekly pay of full-time employees by highest qualification gained, Quarter 2, 2011, England, full-time employees aged 16-59/64:
Source: Office for National Statistics January 2012

Level 4 = Foundation degree or higher diploma
Level 3 = A level or BTEC National Diploma
Level 2 = 4 GCSEs grade A* to C or BTEC First