OPTIONS AT 16

Options at 16

Did you know?

Raising the Participation Age (RPA) was brought in by the government to encourage young people to stay in ‘education and training’ until 18 years.

There are key things you should consider when you are deciding on your next step.

  • Apprenticeships
  • College
  • Employment with Training
  • 6th Form
  • Traineeships

What are my interests?

Think about your interests in and out of school.

 

What are my predicted grades?

All courses are decided on what grades you will be receiving in August.

  • Level 1 course: Interest in the subject with 2 or more GCSEs. However, if you do not have any qualifications the college will complete an assessment with you.
  • Level 2 courses: 2 or more GCSEs at grade D / grade 3 or above or successful completion of a Level 1 course with functional skills in English and maths.
  • Level 3 courses: 4 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C / grades 9-4 or a merit or distinction at Level 2 with functional skills in English and maths.

 

What are my skills and qualities?

Think about what the type of person you are, what your are good at and what you enjoy doing.

Your strengths and dislikes, are important too.

Do you have a particular skill?

  • Problem Solving Skills – Completing problems in maths.
  • Teamwork – Playing for a football team.
  • Communication – Speaking in front of people
  • Practical- Using your hands to do practical tasks
  • Public Speaking – class debate and presentations as well as drama can help you with this.

 

How do you like to learn?

There are a range of  educational options For example, some education courses will be mostly classroom-based while others will involve placements with employers or practical work.

  • Exams
  • Continuous assessment
  • Practical work

A Levels

Carry on studying subjects you took for GCSE to a higher level, or pick new ones you may not have done before like economics, law or psychology. You could take 3 very different subjects you are interested in to keep your career options open or choose more closely related subjects if you you need them for a specific career.

Duration: 2 years

Assessment: Mostly exams at the end of the course

Level of study: 3

Entry requirements: Typically, 5 GCSEs Grade 9-4 (usually including English and maths)

Work experience: Your school or college may offer short periods of work experience, usually during year 12

Leads to: University or college courses, higher and degree apprenticeships, work

T Levels

Designed in partnership with employers to give you the skills and knowledge to get on in the workplace. You’ll combine classroom learning with real work placements. 1 T Level is the equivalent of 3 A levels.

Duration: 2 years

Assessment: Exams, projects and practical assignments

Level of study: 3

Entry requirements: Course dependent

Work experience: At least 45 days on industry placement

Leads to: Work, higher and degree apprenticeships, college and university courses

EC qualifications –  After Year 11 you may be able to complete BTEC qualifications at level 3, level 2, level 1 or entry level. BTECs are assessed to prepare you for work in the future. After Year 11 you may be able to complete a   National Award, or Certificate at level 1, level 2 or level 3.

Vocational or Technical Qualifications

These courses teach you the practical skills and knowledge for a particular area of employment. They can prepare you for a broad employment sector, like engineering or travel and tourism, or for a specific job like a chef or a hairdresser. They are qualifications that teach you how to do tasks specifically related to the industry and role you want to be involved in.

Duration: 1 or more years

Assessment: Can include coursework, skills tests and exams

Level of study: 1+

Entry requirements: Course dependent

Work experience: You’ll learn in real situations in college, for example in a college restaurant or a salon that is open to the public. You may also have the chance to go out on a work placement with an employer.

Leads to: Apprenticeship, work, college or university

Find out more: Speak to your local college or training provider or talk to an adviser.

National Vocational Qualifications

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications. NVQs are recognised qualifications that prepare you for, or prove your ability to do a particular job, such as motor vehicle repairer or customer services assistant.

Duration: 2 years

Assessment: Exams, projects and practical assignments

Level of study: 3

Entry requirements: Course dependent

Work experience: At least 45 days on industry placement

Leads to: Work, higher and degree apprenticeships, college and university courses

EC qualifications –  After Year 11 you may be able to complete BTEC qualifications at level 3, level 2, level 1 or entry level. BTECs are assessed to prepare you for work in the future. After Year 11 you may be able to complete a   National Award, or Certificate at level 1, level 2 or level 3.

Apprenticeships

Intermediate, advanced higher and degree apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job skills training with off-the-job learning. You’ll get training that is relevant to your job and be paid a salary. Start at a level to suit you, with support if you have special needs or a disability.

Location: You’ll spend 80% of your time in the workplace and 20% off-the-job with some study in a college, training centre or Institute of Technology (IoT)

Duration: A minimum of 1 year

Entry requirements:  Will be dependent on the industry, job role and apprenticeship level

Qualifications: apprenticeship certificate, diploma, degree and masters depending on level

Leads to: Work, next level of apprenticeship, further education, higher education

Find out more: Gov.uk information about Apprenticeships

Traineeships

A course that includes a work placement that will get you ready for an apprenticeship or a job. You’ll get work experience and some help to apply for your next steps. You can also improve your maths and English skills. You’ll get work experience and some help to apply for whatever you do next.

Location: You’ll spend a minimum of 70 hours in a work placement with the rest of your time in college or a training centre

Duration: 6 weeks to 1 year

Entry requirements:  You need to be aged between 16 to 24 or up to 25 with an Education Health and Care Plan with no higher than a level 3 qualification

Qualifications: English, maths, digital and work-related qualifications

Leads to: Apprenticeship, further education, work

Find out more:

  • ask your local college or training provider
  • speak to your school careers adviser
  • speak to your Jobcentre Plus adviser if you receive benefits

GCSEs Retakes

If you didn’t get the results you wanted, you can – some of your courses or sign up for some new qualifications.

Location: School sixth form, sixth form college or further education college

Duration: 1 year

Entry requirements: 16+

Qualifications: Level 2 and 3 qualifications like GCSE, A level and BTEC

Leads to: Higher level or degree apprenticeship, further education, higher education, work

Find out more: Speak to your school or college careers leader or careers adviser.

Top tips for further education applications

  • Do your research
  • Visit http://www.ucasprogress.com/ for a list of colleges/schools and courses
  • Visit school and college websites
  • Go to open days or evenings
  • Take time to fill out application forms
  • Apply early
  • Attend interviews

Useful websites