Year 9 Options & 14–16 Choices

What Are Year 9 Options?

As students progress through Year 9, they begin to make important choices about the subjects and courses they will study during Key Stage 4 in Years 10 and 11.

At Ferryhill School, every student continues to follow a broad and balanced curriculum while having opportunities to select subjects that reflect their interests, strengths and future aspirations.

These choices are an important part of a student’s journey. They can help develop the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed for future education, training and employment. Students are supported to make informed and impartial choices, without being steered towards particular subjects or pathways because of their background, gender, SEND or other characteristics.

Careers information, labour market information and advice about future pathways are used throughout the options process to help students understand how different subjects can support future opportunities.

Choice at Ferryhill School:

At Ferryhill School, students make important subject choices at the end of Year 9 as they prepare to continue their learning into Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11). These choices help shape future pathways, including GCSEs, vocational options and progression into post-16 education or training. 

All students are supported to make choices that are right for them, without steering towards particular subjects or pathways. 

When Do Choices Happen?

Students receive information and guidance throughout Year 9 before finalising their subject choices.

Support includes:

• Assemblies and presentations explaining option pathways

• Information sessions for parents and carers

• Curriculum talks linked to careers

• Guidance support and option booklets

• A clear deadline for submitting final choices

• Careers and labour market information to help students understand how subjects connect to future pathways and opportunities. 

Core and Compulsory subjects

These are sometimes called "core subjects". They include subjects such as:

• English

• Maths

• Science

• Physical Education

 What Types of Courses May Be Available? 

• GCSE courses – Students study a combination of compulsory and optional GCSE subjects. 

• Vocational and technical courses – These combine practical and applied learning with relevant knowledge and theory. Courses available will vary from year to year and may include qualifications such as BTECs or other approved technical/vocational qualifications.

How do these choices affect my future?

The subjects and courses students choose at Key Stage 4 can help prepare them for a wide range of future pathways, including:

A levels • T Levels • vocational and technical courses • apprenticeships • further education and future employment.

Many post-16 pathways remain open regardless of individual option choices. However, some courses, qualifications and careers may have particular subject or grade requirements, so students should consider their longer-term interests when making decisions.

Students will be supported to explore careers, progression routes and labour market information and will have opportunities to hear from education and training providers and employers.

Students should always ask for guidance if they are unsure whether a particular option may affect a future pathway.

Year 9 options booklet 2026/27 coming soon 

The current Year 9 Options Booklet will be published here when the options process begins. 

Most Ferryhill students continue into Key Stage 4 at Ferryhill School. However, a small number of students may consider alternative 14–16 education pathways where these are appropriate to their individual needs, interests and circumstances.

Information about external provision is provided impartially and inclusion on this page does not represent a recommendation by Ferryhill School. Students and families should discuss any proposed move with school staff and check current admissions and course information directly with the provider.

Pathways for Young People (14-16 provision) at East Durham College - Engage 

East Durham College offers Engage, a specialist full-time provision for some young people aged 14–16 who may benefit from an alternative, more vocational learning environment.

Students accepted onto Engage are directly enrolled at East Durham College rather than remaining enrolled at their mainstream school. The programme includes core curriculum learning alongside vocational pathways and careers/employer experiences.

Engage is a specialist alternative provision and is not part of Ferryhill School’s normal Year 9 options process. Any potential placement would be discussed individually with the student, parent/carer and relevant school staff.

Course content and vocational pathways can change, so families should use East Durham College’s current Engage information for the latest details

For further information contact:

Website:        

Engage (14-16) Provision | East Durham College 

Student Services: 0191 518 8222, 

or contact Greg Corcoran on: 0191 518 5537

Pathways for Young People (14-16 provision) at UTC South Durham

UTC South Durham is a specialist University Technical College in Newton Aycliffe for young people interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Students can apply to transfer to UTC South Durham for entry into Year 10. Its curriculum combines academic study with technical learning, employer engagement and workplace-related experiences.

Moving to UTC South Durham is a significant decision because the student transfers school rather than simply selecting an option subject. Students and parents/carers considering this route should discuss it with Ferryhill School and review UTC South Durham’s current admissions information and Year 10 prospectus.

For further information contact:

Website:

UTC South Durham | STEM focused School and Sixth Form 

Telephone: 01325 430250

Email: office@utcsouthdurham.org