Young people in England are required to continue in some form of education or training until they are 18. There are several pathways for young people to choose from, depending on what they are thinking of doing next, and what their longer-term goals are.
Post-16 courses are generally around 16 hours per week (around 540 hours per year). This is considered to be a full-time programme and is usually offered over 3 days. 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 will have entry requirements.
If you are still in school, you will have access to careers advice and guidance to help you decide which route is right for you. Further information can also be found at the National Careers Service website.
The different pathways available:
Schools with sixth forms offering Post-16 Education
Sixth Form Colleges
- There are a number of sixth form colleges that offer post-16 education.
- They are often larger than school sixth forms and often offer a wider range of courses including technical and vocational qualifications.
- Contact the individual colleges, or visit their website to learn more information about their available courses.
Further Education Colleges
- There are a number of further education colleges that offer a range of academic, vocational and technical courses.
- Contact the individual college, or visit their website to learn more information about their available courses.
Training Providers
- There are training providers that specialise in training for different sectors.
- Contact individual providers, or visit their website to learn more information about their available courses.
You may also choose to undertake an apprenticeship, or traineeship, or a supported internship.