16+ Choices – What Happens After Year 11?

Leaving Year 11 is an important transition, and there are several different routes available. You do not need to have everything decided immediately, but it is important to understand your options, entry requirements and the pathways that may support your future plans. 

At Ferryhill School, all post-16 routes are valued equally. Students are supported to explore academic, technical, vocational and work-based pathways and to make an informed choice based on their interests, strengths, aspirations and individual needs. 

Every Year 11 student receives a one-to-one personal guidance meeting with an appropriately qualified careers adviser, alongside opportunities to meet colleges, sixth forms, training providers, apprenticeship providers, universities and employers. 

What Must I Do After Year 11? 

In England, young people must continue in education or training until their 18th birthday. This does not mean that you have to stay at school. 

After Year 11, you can: 

• continue in full-time education, for example at a sixth form, sixth-form college or further education college

• start an apprenticeship

• work, be self-employed or volunteer for 20 hours or more per week, while also taking part in part-time education or training.

After Year 11, there are several different pathways you can consider. Within these routes there are different qualifications and programmes available. The sections below explain the main options. 

A‑Levels

• A Levels are Level 3 academic qualifications, usually studied over two years at a school sixth form, sixth-form college or further education college.

• Students usually study three subjects in depth, although programmes vary between providers.

• A Levels may be suitable if you enjoy academic study and want to continue studying particular subjects in greater depth.

• They can lead to university, higher or degree apprenticeships, further training or employment.

• Entry requirements vary between providers and subjects, so students should check these carefully before applying.

T Levels

T Levels are a two year Level 3 technical qualification designed with employers. 

They are equivalent in size to three A Levels and combine classroom learning with substantial industry experience. 

Students typically spend around 80% of their programme in the learning environment and 20% on an industry placement. Most T Levels include a mandatory industry placement of at least 315 hours. 

T Levels are designed for students who have a clear interest in a broad occupational area and want a programme combining technical knowledge with practical workplace experience. 

They can lead to skilled employment, apprenticeships or higher education. Further information can be found on the Government T Levels site.

Vocational and Applied Qualifications 

Colleges and sixth forms may also offer vocational or applied qualifications linked to particular subjects or career sectors. During the transition to the reformed post-16 qualification system, students may see qualifications such as approved BTECs, alternative academic qualifications and entry level technical occupational qualifications (TOQs), depending on the subject and provider. Students should always check the current course offer and entry requirements directly with the provider, as qualification availability is changing. 

Apprenticeships 

An apprenticeship is a paid job with structured training. Apprentices work for an employer while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a particular occupation. 

Apprenticeships are available at different levels and can lead to further apprenticeships, higher education or employment. 

Current apprenticeship levels include: 

• Foundation Apprenticeships – Level 2

• Intermediate Apprenticeships – Level 2

• Advanced Apprenticeships – Level 3

• Higher Apprenticeships – Levels 4 and 5

• Degree Apprenticeships – Levels 6 and 7.

Apprenticeships are competitive. Students should research opportunities, understand employer entry requirements and apply for more than one opportunity where appropriate. 

You can apply for apprenticeships while you are still at school, but you must normally be 16 before starting. 

Foundation Apprenticeships 

Foundation Apprenticeships are a newer Level 2 route designed to help young people enter an industry and develop occupational skills through employment and training. 

They are currently available in a growing range of sectors and are primarily for young people aged 16–21, with extended eligibility for some young people up to age 24. 

They can support progression into employment or another apprenticeship. 

Level 2 and Foundation Pathways 

Not every student will move directly onto a Level 3 programme after Year 11. Colleges and training providers offer a range of foundation and Level 2 programmes that can help students develop skills, gain qualifications and prepare for further study, an apprenticeship or employment. 

V Levels 

From September 2027, the government will begin introducing V Levels, a new Level 3 vocational pathway alongside A Levels and T Levels. V Levels will be designed for students who want high quality vocational study connected to particular sectors but who do not necessarily want the more occupationally specific T Level route. The first V Levels will begin in selected subject areas from September 2027, with further subjects introduced over time. Because qualification reform is continuing, students should check the courses actually available from individual colleges and sixth forms for their intended year of entry. 

From September 2027, new Level 2 pathways will begin to be introduced, including: 

• Foundation Certificates, designed primarily to support progression to further study at Level 3

• Occupational Certificates, designed primarily to support progression towards skilled employment.

The exact courses available will vary between providers and subject areas. 

New qualifications will be introduced gradually alongside existing routes. 

Supported Internships 

Supported internships are structured, work-based study programmes for young people aged 16–24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 

Students spend most of their programme in the workplace, supported by a job coach, alongside a personalised study programme. Their main aim is to support progression into paid employment. 

Students and families who think a supported internship may be appropriate should speak to the Careers Leader, SENCO and relevant post-16 providers. 

As part of the school’s careers programme, students have opportunities to hear directly from further education colleges, apprenticeship providers and training organisations. These encounters help students understand entry requirements, progression routes and what each pathway is really like. 

Information about what's next

Watch the video and have a look at the grid to see what your options are after Year 11. 

Post-16 Qualifications Are Changing 

The post-16 qualification landscape is currently being reformed. From September 2027, the first V Levels and new Level 2 Foundation and Occupational Certificates will begin to be introduced alongside A Levels, T Levels and apprenticeships. 

Students applying for September 2027 entry should therefore check the current course and qualification information directly with each provider before making final decisions.