Full time education after year 11 is also known as a 16-19 study programme. Courses can be academic, vocational or technical with a choice of a wide range of subjects leading to qualifications that will help you 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.
For information on where you can study, please see our Education and training provider’s page.
Academic qualifications
GCSE’s
GCSEs are qualifications usually taken in Years 10-11 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 do not 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 and Entry level, see information on vocational courses below. (You will be able to work towards your English and maths at the same time.)
A Levels
This is a more formal style of learning which is 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 would 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/technical qualifications
There are different types of vocational/technical qualifications in a wide range of subjects, including NVQs and BTECs. They are designed to help you learn in a more practical way about an employment sector, such as travel and tourism. Vocational/technical courses are jointly designed with industry and employers so you can gain the right knowledge and skills to help you progress into a job.
They enable you to develop industry skills which 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.
T Levels
T Levels are a 2-year qualification designed to give you a head start towards the career you want. A nationally recognised qualification that is worth the same number of UCAS points as 3 A levels. This is another option once you have completed your GCSE’s, it is 80% classroom and 20% industry placement allowing you to have a 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 will 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 T Levels on the T Levels website. You can also use your postcode to search the T Levels website find out which T Levels are available in your local area.