Cake Decoration Level 1 Award
The course is aimed at learners with a basic knowledge of cake decoration, or more experienced learners who wish to acquire accreditation.
Level 1 of the course aims to instruct the learner in:
– The basic use of equipment, tools and materials used in cake decoration
– Encourages an appreciation of colour, design, proportion and measurement applicable to the subject.
You will produce a portfolio showing working drawings and photos of practical work. By the end of level 1 learners will have learned how to apply basic techniques in royal icing, sugarpaste and modelling. At each stage there will be an emphasis on hygiene and Health & Safety.
Many of our learners come to study with us as our tutors have a proven track record in both competitions, Bolton College won ‘Best College and Group Display Winner’ at Cake International, and working with local bakeries with national supermarket contracts to keep up with current trends.
Level 1 of the course aims to instruct the learner in:
– The basic use of equipment, tools and materials used in cake decoration
– Encourages an appreciation of colour, design, proportion and measurement applicable to the subject.
You will produce a portfolio showing working drawings and photos of practical work. By the end of level 1 learners will have learned how to apply basic techniques in royal icing, sugarpaste and modelling. At each stage there will be an emphasis on hygiene and Health & Safety.
Many of our learners come to study with us as our tutors have a proven track record in both competitions, Bolton College won ‘Best College and Group Display Winner’ at Cake International, and working with local bakeries with national supermarket contracts to keep up with current trends.
Course Information
Course Type:
Adult
Study Mode:
Qualification:
Award
Location:
Deane Road Campus
Course Code:
CA203-AD01
Course Length:
20
Start Date:
26/11/2026
Subject Area:
SERVICE INDUSTRIES
Overview
The course is aimed at learners with a basic knowledge of cake decoration, or more experienced learners who wish to acquire accreditation.
Level 1 of the course aims to instruct the learner in:
- The basic use of equipment, tools and materials used in cake decoration
- Encourages an appreciation of colour, design, proportion and measurement applicable to the subject.
You will produce a portfolio showing working drawings and photos of practical work. By the end of level 1 learners will have learned how to apply basic techniques in royal icing, sugarpaste and modelling. At each stage there will be an emphasis on hygiene and Health & Safety.
Many of our learners come to study with us as our tutors have a proven track record in both competitions, Bolton College won 'Best College and Group Display Winner' at Cake International, and working with local bakeries with national supermarket contracts to keep up with current trends.
Level 1 of the course aims to instruct the learner in:
- The basic use of equipment, tools and materials used in cake decoration
- Encourages an appreciation of colour, design, proportion and measurement applicable to the subject.
You will produce a portfolio showing working drawings and photos of practical work. By the end of level 1 learners will have learned how to apply basic techniques in royal icing, sugarpaste and modelling. At each stage there will be an emphasis on hygiene and Health & Safety.
Many of our learners come to study with us as our tutors have a proven track record in both competitions, Bolton College won 'Best College and Group Display Winner' at Cake International, and working with local bakeries with national supermarket contracts to keep up with current trends.
Group Times
- Thursday : 09:15 - 12:15
Fees
Tuition Fee: £239.00
You can opt to pay these fees in monthly instalments. You can set this up during the enrolment.
Courses fees are subject to change.
You can opt to pay these fees in monthly instalments. You can set this up during the enrolment.
Courses fees are subject to change.
What You'll Learn
You will cover a range of topics including:
- Royal icing a round cake
- Sugarpasting a round and square cake
- Basic modelling and piping
In addition, you will also learn; basic health & safety, colour theory, labelling and storage of ingredients and finished products and public liability insurance.
- Royal icing a round cake
- Sugarpasting a round and square cake
- Basic modelling and piping
In addition, you will also learn; basic health & safety, colour theory, labelling and storage of ingredients and finished products and public liability insurance.
How Will I Be Assessed?
Course evaluation is by tutors, learners will keep a portfolio showing their progress and completion of each unit. Practical and design work are continually assessed by the tutor.
Entry Requirements
No formal qualifications are needed to undertake level 1 of the course, just an interest and basic skills in cake decoration is needed. You also need a willingness to complete all assignments.
Learners whose first language is not English need an ESOL Level 1 (Not Entry Level) qualification in English Language to enrol on this course. If you enrol without a Level 1 your place will be cancelled and you will receive a refund.
We recommend you complete the Cake Decoration Introduction course prior to enrolling on the Level 1 course.
Learners whose first language is not English need an ESOL Level 1 (Not Entry Level) qualification in English Language to enrol on this course. If you enrol without a Level 1 your place will be cancelled and you will receive a refund.
We recommend you complete the Cake Decoration Introduction course prior to enrolling on the Level 1 course.
I'm Interested, What Next?
Apply now to get priority access to enrol onto this course. We will let you know once the priority access window opens
Future Opportunities
After completion of the course students can look at self-employment or employment in the catering or confectionery trade. Learners completing the level 1 course to a good standard may apply for a place on the NCFE Level 2 Award in Cake Decoration.
You may even choose to gain additional skills through a short cake decoration course or catering course.
Other courses available to support your learning:
- Free English and maths courses for those who have not yet attained a grade at C at GCSE (grade 4 equivalent)
- Free digital literacy courses for beginners in computing and tablets
- Free positive steps to wellbeing courses to support improved mental wellbeing, health and confidence
- A range of employability skills courses
Information, advice and guidance is available at all Bolton College centres. Our Adult Community Learning Job Coach is available to support learners who are seeking employment.
You may even choose to gain additional skills through a short cake decoration course or catering course.
Other courses available to support your learning:
- Free English and maths courses for those who have not yet attained a grade at C at GCSE (grade 4 equivalent)
- Free digital literacy courses for beginners in computing and tablets
- Free positive steps to wellbeing courses to support improved mental wellbeing, health and confidence
- A range of employability skills courses
Information, advice and guidance is available at all Bolton College centres. Our Adult Community Learning Job Coach is available to support learners who are seeking employment.
Who Can I Speak To?
The Department Administrator is Sarah Lewis Tel: 01204 482 333
Or email: catering.email@boltoncc.ac.uk
Anything Else I Need to Know?
- Learners will be required to practice at home.
- Learners must buy and supply their own tools/equipment & ingredients.
- The equipment list will be discussed and given out by the tutor in the first class. No equipment is supplied or provided by the college.
- As it is intended that the items produced on the course are for eating, learners are expected to wear an apron, have appropriate flat, closed footwear and have long hair tied back.
- Learners must buy and supply their own tools/equipment & ingredients.
- The equipment list will be discussed and given out by the tutor in the first class. No equipment is supplied or provided by the college.
- As it is intended that the items produced on the course are for eating, learners are expected to wear an apron, have appropriate flat, closed footwear and have long hair tied back.
English and maths classes - for adults and young people who want that grade or confidence boost.




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