The recent Post-16 Information Evening held at our school delivered insight into the various educational avenues available to our students.
The event showcased a number of information stalls from reputable local post-16 education providers. These booths were manned by representatives who eagerly interacted with our students, providing in-depth information on their programs, courses, and extracurricular offerings.
This event served as a valuable platform for our students to gather firsthand knowledge, guidance, and clarity regarding their future academic pursuits. Our students explored an array of options, encompassing both traditional academic paths and specialised vocational training.
The event’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts between our school and the local educational community in empowering our students to make informed decisions about their next educational steps.
Pathways from 16+
There are several pathways for 16 to 18 year olds to choose from, depending on what you’re thinking about doing next.
If you’re ready to begin a level 3 programme you could take A-levels or a T-level. Or take up an apprenticeship, a traineeship, or select part-time learning whilst working or volunteering.
A-levels
- A-levels are a two-year course of study.
- Most students study three A-levels, but you can also combine them with other qualifications.
- After A-levels, many young people go on to higher education at college and/or university to obtain degrees and higher technical qualifications, while others begin working at age 18.
- Resource: National Careers Service – A-Levels
T-levels
- T-levels were introduced in 2020 and are being rolled out across the country over the next couple of years. More subjects are becoming available every year.
- A T-level is a two-year course that focuses on technical skills. One T-level is equivalent to three A-levels.
- T-level students spend approximately 80% of their time at college or school, learning the knowledge and skills that employers need, and 20% of their time on an industry placement.
- After T-levels, young people can either choose to continue into employment (including opting for an apprenticeship) or select a higher education course aimed at the career they want. This could be a higher technical course or a degree.
- Resource: National Careers Service – T-Levels
Apprenticeships
- Apprenticeships combine study with training in a paid job.
- Apprentices spend most of their time at work, with at least 20% of their time spent learning on the job.
- Apprenticeships are offered at all levels, but most 16-year-olds would enter an apprenticeship at Level 2 or 3. Level 2 is equivalent to GCSEs and Level 3 is equivalent to A-levels and T-levels.
- Apprenticeships are offered by employers, who advertise when they have vacancies. Vacancies are also advertised locally, for example through colleges, or on national websites.
- Resource: National Careers Service – Apprenticeships
- Resource: apprenticeships.gov
- Resource: Find an apprenticeship
Education Providers
There are many different providers of post-16 education, including schools with sixth forms, sixth form colleges, and further education (FE) colleges.
There are also independent providers that specialise in training for different sectors and employers that are set up to provide training in-house.
Getting onto a course
Each provider might offer similar qualifications, but there will be variations in the subjects and the course content you can study with each of them. Some subjects and courses have entry requirements, you may need to achieve certain grades to be accepted onto the course.
Other Options
As well as the options listed above, there are others available from 16+ that you may want to explore.
These include:
- Other level 3 qualifications
As well as A-levels and T-levels there are other specific qualifications at level 3 that can prepare your child for particular job roles or further study - Level 1 and 2 qualifications
Additional GCSEs or other level 1 and 2 qualifications might be the right next step to help your child build their pathway to further study or the workplace - Transition programme
This is a one-year study programme that might benefit your child if they need additional time to get ready to study a T-level - Traineeships
A traineeship could help your child develop the right skills to begin an apprenticeship or to prepare for work and includes a placement with an employer
