Full-time education after Year 11 is also known as a 16-19 study programme. If you're based in Wiltshire, there are plenty of local options to choose from, whether that's a school sixth form, a further education college, or a specialist provider.
Courses can be academic, vocational or technical, with a wide range of subjects leading to qualifications that’ll help with higher education and your chosen career.
Qualifications are available at different levels, the higher the level, the more difficult the course. You can read more about qualification levels on GOV.UK: gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean
For information on where you can study in Wiltshire, see our Education and Training Providers page.
Academic Qualifications
GCSEs
GCSEs are qualifications usually taken in Years 10 to 11 and prepare you for your next stage in education, training, or employment. Compulsory subjects such as maths and English at GCSE level need to be retaken if you don’t get the required grades. You can do this with your existing school or sixth form, or you can continue onto a vocational course at Level 1 or Entry Level (see information on vocational courses below). You’ll be able to work towards your English and maths at the same time.
A Levels
This is a more formal style of learning, usually based on theory rather than practical activities. These are two-year courses at Level 3, with an exam at the end.
Most students take three A Level subjects, but you may be able to combine A Levels with another qualification. You’ll need to speak to your preferred school sixth form or college to see what they can offer.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme
There are six subject groups to choose from, including Language and Literature and Mathematics. Not all school sixth forms or colleges offer the IB Programme, so you’ll need to check with your preferred provider. The IB Programme is studied over two years and has good progression rates into higher education.
Vocational and Technical Qualifications
There are different types of vocational and technical qualifications across a wide range of subjects, including NVQs and BTECs. They’re designed to help you learn in a more practical way about an employment sector, such as travel and tourism. Vocational and technical courses are jointly designed with industry and employers, so you gain the right knowledge and skills to progress into a job.
They help you develop industry skills that can be applied to real-life situations to prepare for employment. Some courses may require learners to take exams as well as produce evidence of their new skills and knowledge throughout the year.
It’s worth knowing that some older vocational qualifications, including some BTECs, are gradually being phased out as the government rolls out T Levels and new V Levels. If you’re considering a vocational route, it’s worth checking with your chosen provider which qualifications they’ll be offering for your start year.
T Levels
T Levels are a two-year qualification designed to give you a head start towards the career you want. They’re a nationally recognised qualification worth the same number of UCAS points as three A Levels. This is another option once you’ve completed your GCSEs. The course is 80% classroom-based and 20% industry placement, giving you real experience of the workplace alongside your studies. T Levels are assessed in different ways, including projects, tests and exams, and they allow you to progress onto an apprenticeship, skilled employment or higher education.
T Levels are designed with employers, meaning the courses give you the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.
If you aren’t quite ready for a T Level, you may be able to do the T Level Foundation Year. This is designed to give you the skills and knowledge to progress onto a T Level in the future.
You can find more information on the T Levels website. You can also use your postcode to search which T Levels are available in your local area: https://tlevels.gov.uk/students/find
Frequently Asked Questions
What is full-time education after Year 11?
Full-time education after Year 11 is also known as a 16-19 study programme. It includes options like A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and other vocational qualifications, usually studied at a school sixth form or further education college.
What's the difference between A Levels and T Levels?
A Levels are a more academic, theory-based qualification, usually studied as three separate subjects over two years. T Levels are more practical, combining classroom study with a substantial industry placement, and are worth the same UCAS points as three A Levels.
What's the difference between a BTEC and a T Level?
BTECs are vocational qualifications that combine coursework and practical assessment across a range of subjects. T Levels are newer, more standardised qualifications co-designed with employers, including a longer industry placement. Some older BTECs are gradually being phased out as T Levels and new V Levels are introduced, so it’s worth checking with your chosen provider about which qualifications they’ll be offering.
Can I retake my GCSE Maths or English alongside other courses?
Yes. If you don’t get a grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths or English, you’ll need to retake it, but you can do this alongside other courses such as vocational qualifications at Level 1 or Entry Level.
What if I'm not ready for a T Level yet?
You may be able to do a T Level Foundation Year first. This gives you the skills and knowledge to progress onto a T Level in the future.
Where can I study full-time education courses in Wiltshire?
There are a few local colleges and sixth forms across Wiltshire offering A Levels, T Levels and vocational courses. You can find a full list on our Education and Training Providers page.