Post 16 choices

Post-16 Choices — Information for Parents and Carers

Choosing what to do after Year 11 is an important step in your child’s future. This guide explains the main post-16 pathways — academic, vocational, apprenticeships and work-related learning — and how you can support your child to explore these options, compare them and make informed decisions that align with their strengths and aspirations.  UCAS 

Post-16 Pathways Explained

After completing GCSEs at the end of Year 11, young people must continue in education or training until at least their 18th birthday. This is known as the Raising the Participation Age (RPA). There are several different pathways available, and no single route is “better” than another. The right choice depends on your child’s interests, strengths, learning style and future goals.

Academic Pathway – A Levels

A Levels are usually studied at a school sixth form or sixth form college. Students typically choose three subjects and study them in depth over two years. This route suits young people who enjoy academic learning, written work and exams. A Levels are commonly used as a pathway into university, higher apprenticeships or employment where strong academic qualifications are required. Some pupils may already know that they want to go to university and even which career they want to go into. If this sounds like your son or daughter, direct them to the UCAS website, and individual university websites for advice on which A levels/ level 3 courses they will need to take, to meet the criteria for the specific courses and careers they wish to pursue. 

The following website will also be of interest to you:

Russell Group Informed Choices: Russellgroup

Which? University Guide:   university.which.co.uk

Vocational and Technical Pathways

Vocational and technical courses focus on developing practical skills alongside subject knowledge. These courses are often delivered by further education colleges and some school sixth forms.

Examples include:

• T Levels, which are equivalent in size to three A Levels and include a substantial industry placement

• Technical certificates or diplomas, such as BTEC or similar qualifications

• Industry-focused courses in areas such as health, engineering, construction, IT, childcare and business
  
  

These pathways suit students who enjoy hands-on learning and want a clear link between their studies and future careers. Many vocational routes can also lead to higher education or higher apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning

Apprenticeships combine paid employment with training and qualifications. Young people earn a salary while gaining valuable workplace experience and completing a recognised qualification. Apprenticeships are available at different levels, from intermediate (Level 2) through to degree level.

Apprenticeships are suitable for young people who want to learn in a real work environment, develop practical skills and progress within an industry. Competition can be strong, so good preparation and support are important.

Employment with Training or Part-Time Study

Some young people may move into employment or volunteering while also completing recognised education or training, such as a part-time course or traineeship. This option still meets the legal requirement to remain in education or training until age 18 and can support young people who need to build confidence, skills or experience before progressing further.

All of these post-16 pathways are valid options. No one route is inherently “better” — the right pathway depends on your child’s skills, interests and future plans. It can be helpful to explore more than one route before deciding. 

Keeping Options Open

Many post-16 pathways allow young people to change direction later on. For example, students can progress from vocational courses into higher education, or from apprenticeships into degree-level study. Careers guidance at Ferryhill School encourages students to keep options open where possible and choose pathways that support long-term progression.

Many pupils leaving Ferryhill School choose to continue their education at a  local Sixth form centre or college but there are other choices too, such as getting a job with training or securing and apprenticeship. 

What is most important is that your child chooses the course or training programme to suit both their skills and aspirations.

After GCSEs, there are 3 main pathways to choose from and making the decision between the different pathways needs careful thought.

• Full time, general academic study e.g. A levels, offered at schools, Sixth forms and colleges

• Work based learning e.g apprenticeships, learning on the job but also with a learning provider

• Part time, work-related learning e.g I day per week with a learning provider if employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20+ hours each week.

The following websites  and several others on the general links page may prove useful in helping make a decision.

Apprenticeships Search: www.apprenticeships.org.uk

National Careers Service:  0800 100 900 www.direct.gov.uk/NationalCareersService

How Parents & Carers Can Help with Post-16 Choices

• Talk regularly with your child about their interests, strengths and aspirations.

• Attend school options evenings and provider talks together.

• Explore college, T Level, apprenticeship and training provider websites together and make note of entry requirements.

• Help your child use the National Careers Service and LMI resources to research careers and future opportunities.

• Encourage your child to think about backup plans and transferable skills.

• Contact the school Careers Lead if you need guidance about local provision or specific pathways.