Education in the UK for young people from age 16 to 18
The UK school term is from September to July in the following year. In Years 10 and 11 (age 14 to 16) students prepare to take GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams at the end of Year 11.
After completing GCSEs in Year 11, all young people in the UK are required to stay in education, employment or training until the September after their 18th birthday.
Guests living in the UK under Ukraine Family Scheme, or the Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine are eligible to enrol as a student, although colleges (but not state-funded schools) may ask to see evidence of eligibility.
Wiltshire Council has a dedicated Refugee Resettlement and Migration Service which details the support available.
Young Work Wiltshire – Education, Employment and Training (EET) Service
There is a dedicated team to support young people from the age of 16, after they leave school up to September after their 18th birthday who are not in any form of education, employment or training (NEET). An Education, Employment Adviser will support the young person with information and advice on education, employment and training pathways. This will include any young people arriving aged 16-17 arriving in the UK.
What the team can do?
- Support referrals to other organisations that offer activities to re-engage with education, training or employment
- Help to find and apply for suitable education or training courses
- Help to find and apply for an apprenticeship
- Job searching and application help
What the team can’t do?
- Work with any young people that are already being supported through other services such as those with Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) or working with Youth Justice
- Intensive support and activities with young people (referrals are made to other services that can provide this)
- If you want support from a qualified careers’ adviser please contact National Careers Service
Use the form below to refer to our service:
EET support service
Post 16 Education (Further Education)
When a young person finishes their Year 11 and gets their GCSE results they can make choices for their post 16 education or training. Our Young Work Wiltshire website has lots of information on what you can do once you have left Year 11.
Refugee Education UK will help you to find out how to progress in further education as an asylum seeker or refugee.
English Speaking for Other Languages (ESOL) Family and Community Learning
Courses are available for adults aged 19+ by 31 August 2024, who have English as a second language. Learners will improve their general knowledge of the English Language and work on improving their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
The courses are delivered at four levels: Pre-Entry, Beginner, Intermediate and Higher.
By the end of these courses, learners will be able to (at the appropriate level):
- Show an understanding of words and phrases used in everyday life
- Ask questions and respond appropriately
- Understand words in spoken British English on topics such as money, travel, work, shopping, food and health
- Write sentences using learned vocabulary
- Recognise and find important information in relation to their needs
To book a place on a course please email – familyandcommunitylearning@wiltshire.gov.uk or call 01225 770478
Click here for our full list of courses: COURSES WE OFFER – Work Wiltshire
Links to other useful information
Equipment (Laptops, tablets or school stationery and clothes)
Ruksak45218 is a charity that offers a rucksack of essential items, such as bedding, clothing, toiletries, footwear, school stationery, school uniforms, sleeping bags, hot water bottles, reading books, exam revision guides, washing detergents – Ruksak45218 provides these items, for young persons, that are living in Wiltshire and are from 5 to 18 years of age.
Wiltshire libraries offer free computer use and free Wi-Fi
Educational links and information
Guidance for guests which has a section on Education Services in the UK.
Family and Community Learning includes a range of online, community based and outreach learning opportunities designed to help people of different ages and backgrounds from the age of 19.
Refugee Education UK supports refugee and asylum seeking children and young people across the UK.
UK ENIC – Statement of Comparability – A service to evidence the level of overseas qualifications for employment, study, profession registration or another reason.
Open University offers free courses for refugees including English language.
A website with free digital resources
English language and Employment programme
Support and helplines
British Red Cross
Support from the Department of Work and Pensions
Students who are here without parental support could be eligible for Universal Credit to support themselves. See Gov website to find out if you’re eligible, you can claim Universal Credit if you’re 21 or under, studying any qualification up to A level or equivalent and do not have parental support.