Post-16 Options – Your Future, Your Choice
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future. What you choose to do after your GCSEs will depend on several factors, including your interests, likely grades, preferred learning environment, and career aspirations.
Since 2013, the Raising of the Participation Age law requires all young people to continue in education or training until they are 18. There are several exciting pathways available:
Your Options After Year 11
📚 Full-Time Study
Study a qualification at Sixth Form, College, or through a Training Provider. This usually involves around 18 hours of learning per week and can lead to A Levels, T Levels, or vocational qualifications.
👷♂️ Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn! Apprenticeships allow you to work for an employer while studying for a qualification. 80% of your time is spent working and at least 20% studying. Apprenticeships are available in industries from digital technology to engineering and healthcare.
💼 Traineeships
If you’re not quite ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship could help you gain the experience and skills needed. These programmes last up to six months and include a work placement, support with Maths and English, and help finding an apprenticeship or job.
🧑💻 Part-Time Study with Employment or Volunteering
You can work or volunteer for 20+ hours a week while studying part-time at a college or training provider.
Planning Your Next Steps
Ask yourself:
- Where am I now? (What qualifications, skills, and interests do I have?)
- Where do I want to be? (What job or lifestyle do I aspire to in five years?)
- How will I get there? (What courses or training will help me achieve my goals?)
If you’re unsure, stay broad—choose a wide range of subjects to keep your options open. Talk to people who know you well, like your parents, teachers, and our Careers Team. You can also visit the Careers Resource Area in the Library for further support.
Where Can I Study?
- Sixth Form and Sixth Form Colleges: Ideal for A Levels and some vocational qualifications like BTECs. Great for students considering university or keeping their options open.
- Further Education Colleges: Offer a wide range of courses, including vocational subjects like Business, Engineering, Health & Social Care, and creative industries. Many also offer T Levels and higher-level qualifications.
- Training Providers: Focused, practical qualifications in areas such as Hair and Beauty, Construction, Animal Care, Performing Arts, and more.
Understanding Your Qualification Options
🎓 A Levels
- Academic qualifications typically studied over two years.
- Ideal if you want to progress to university.
- Assessed mainly through final exams.
🛠️ T Levels
- A new technical qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels.
- Combines classroom learning with an industry placement.
- Perfect if you have a specific career path in mind.
📚 Applied General Qualifications (BTECs, Cambridge Technicals, OCR)
- Vocational and practical courses linked to specific job sectors.
- Assessed through coursework and practical activities.
- Can lead to university or employment.
Apprenticeships – Earn While You Learn
- Intermediate (Level 2): Equivalent to GCSEs
- Advanced (Level 3): Equivalent to A Levels
- Higher (Levels 4-5): Equivalent to a Foundation Degree
- Degree (Levels 6-7): Equivalent to a University Degree
Visit Amazing Apprenticeships to explore over 700 different apprenticeship standards.
Choosing the Right Subjects
What you study now can affect your future university and career options. Visit Informed Choices to explore which subjects open up specific degree and career pathways, especially if you are considering top universities.
For further advice and guidance, please visit our Careers Resource Area or speak with our Careers Lead, Mrs Wood, who is based in the Library. Your future starts here—explore, plan, and take that next step with confidence.
