Young people must now stay in education or training until they are 18. This could be attending college or taking on an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Year 11 students need to think carefully about what they want to do with the next stage of their education as this needs to set them up for a stable and rewarding career in adult life. It can be difficult and expensive to access further education after the age of 19 and so it is important that your child makes a carefully considered decision about their next steps.

What are my child’s options for post 16 education or training?

There are a range of options available post 16 and the one which is best for your child will depend upon the career they want to go into, how they like to learn and how confident they feel about entering the world of work.

Pathways

A Levels

A levels are best for those who want to continue to study academic subjects such as Maths, Science, History, Languages, Geography or English. A levels also offer the opportunity to study new subjects such as Law, Economics or Sociology.

Generally, students will need to have gained a good set of GCSE passes to take A levels, including Maths and English.

Passing A levels will give your child UCAS points (these are needed to apply to university) but they are not the only route into university.

A levels require a good level of organisation as there is more independent study expected than at school. An enjoyment of writing is also a requirement for many subjects as your child will need to write extended essays. Exams are generally the main form of assessment for A level courses.

BTEC

BTEC courses tend to be vocational – in other words they are aimed at preparing students for a particular field of work. For example, Childcare, Sports Coaching, Games Design or Fashion Design.

BTEC courses rely more on coursework than exams and so they can be a better option for those who don’t cope well with exam pressure.

At level 3, BTECs are the equivalent to A levels and will also give your child UCAS points. If your child does intend to go to university, it is worth checking that the university they hope to go to will accept BTEC courses for entry. Many do but this is not the case on every course.

This option is best for those who don’t feel they are ready to enter the workplace, or don’t have a specific idea of the job role they want, but are clear about the sector they would like to work in.

T Level

T Levels combine classroom study with a long-term work placement at a ratio of 80% – 20%. T level students gain valuable work experience which will help them to gain skills for the working world, to decide which area they might like to specialise in and to boost their CV when they begin applying for jobs.

At level 3, T Levels are the equivalent to A levels and will give your child UCAS points. Again, it is worth checking with the university your child aims to go to whether they will accept T Levels for entry as some won’t.

This option is best for those who feel ready to spend some time in the workplace, know the field they want to work in and also wish to experience a full college life.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships usually involve spending four days per week in the workplace and one day per week at college studying. As an apprentice, your child will be paid for their work. This option leaves the least free time and requires a young person to be ready for the demands of the workplace. He or she will need to be able to get to work on time, only take a day off if they are really not well and approach their work in a sensible, organised manner.

It is also worth remembering that whilst many local providers offer apprenticeships, this is only possible if a suitable position can be found in a local company. Apprenticeships are a fantastic option for those who are ready to enter the workplace and know what they want to do. It can be a great way to begin a career with established employers such as Bentley, BAE Systems and the British Army.

Traineeships and pre-apprenticeships

Traineeships and pre-apprenticeships allow young people to try out a job role, skill or trade and gain some experience of this before deciding whether it’s what they want to do. If it is, they’ll generally move on to an apprenticeship.

This option can be brilliant for those who don’t know whether they would enjoy the job they’re considering or perhaps don’t quite have the confidence or life skills yet for an apprenticeship.

Where Can My Child Study Locally After Leaving School?

Newcastle College

Newcastle College is a large further education college situated in Knutton. This can be easily reached from Newcastle bus station. Offering a range of A levels, BTECs, vocational courses and apprenticeships.

City of Stoke-on-Trent 6th Form

City of Stoke-on-Trent 6th Form is situated near to Stoke-on-Trent train station. It is accessible via bus, train or nearby cycling routes. Offers BTEC and A level courses in a wide variety of subjects.

Stoke on Trent College

Cheshire College South & West

This college is situated in Crewe but provides free transport from Audley. A range of A levels and vocational courses are on offer.

Reaseheath College

This college specialises in agricultural, construction and animal management courses but also provides a range of other vocational and academic courses. Free transport is available from some areas.

E.Quality Training

This provider has local sites in Newcastle and Hanley. Courses on offer include Childcare, Health and Social Care, Hairdressing, Barbering, Business Administration and Vocational Studies. Class sizes are a maximum of 12.

Crewe Engineering and Design UTC

Crewe Engineering and Design UTC offers A levels, BTEC Engineering courses and the Technical Baccalaureate which includes Maths and Engineering skills.