Parents/Students' Information - Post 16 Options

There are many different routes available to students after completing GCSE exams at the end of secondary school.

Below is a summary of the available qualifications and options at local schools with sixth forms, further education colleges and training providers. Please get in touch and ask for more information. There are multiple events and opportunities for students to engage and learn about these at all stages in their secondary school journey.

A-Levels

A-Levels are a traditionally academic route to qualifications, requiring independent study, reading, essay writing and revision. A-Levels keep options open and are the most usual route into university or higher (degree level) Apprenticeships. It is important to make sure that the choice of A-Levels is appropriate. Researching which A-Levels are required for some degree and university courses is important as there can be very specific requirements.

BTEC

A BTEC is a vocational qualification, which means it has a career focus and is centred around employment. Students study to gain skills and knowledge in their subject area, putting those skills into practice in real-life situations. BTECs can be single award (equivalent to one A-Level) double award (equivalent to two A-Levels) or extended (equivalent to three A-Levels). Single award and Double award BTECs can be combined with A-Levels at institutions that offer both.

T-Levels

T-Levels are equivalent to 3 A-Levels, delivered over two years. They deliver the content that meets the needs of a specific industry and prepares students for work, further training or study. They offer students a mixture of classroom learning and 'on the job' experience via an industry placement while completing the course.

NVQ

A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is a work-based way of learning carried out at a college, school or workplace. There are three levels and each NVQ Level involves a range of 'on the job' tasks and activities designed to test ability to do a job effectively and ultimately qualify for the role.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job while also studying part-time. They are usually paid, so offer the opportunity to learn while earning a wage. Apprentices work alongside experienced colleagues and gain skills unique to the workplace, as well as gaining an increasingly well-respected qualification. They can be completed over one to four years.

Traineeships

Traineeships are skills development programmes that include work placements. They can last from 6 weeks up to a year but are generally 6 months, leading to employment at the end.