Taking the mystery out of post-16 education
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Whether you are in Year 11 and considering what to do next, a teacher trying to give useful information or a parent /guardian providing support through the process, understanding all the post-16 options can be overwhelming. Hopefully, this article will make it easier for you to understand what some of the options are, the differences between them and the opportunities they can offer.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
In England you need to be 16 or older to leave school. If you are not continuing education full-time, you will either need to be doing an apprenticeship, traineeship, or working 20 hours a week alongside education or training, until you are 18. Let’s explore some of the post-16 education options.
TYPES OF COURSES AVAILABLE
T-levels, A-level, Vocational courses, GCSEs and more. These may seem like a lot of letters but let’s explore some of the post-16 qualifications that we offer.
GCSEs - Although GCSEs are typically associated with secondary school, this qualification can be attained or re-taken post-16, especially if you did not achieve a passing grade in English or Maths.
A-Levels - These are academic qualifications which are typically assessed using one or more examinations. The grading system ranges from A to E and there is a grade U also.
Vocational course - A vocational course is one that focuses on practical skills that can be used in a workplace. Similar to A-levels vocational course typically surround classroom-based teaching, however, the assessment style is based around regular assignments and little to no exams. The grading system is as follows; Fail, Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*. HND (Higher National Diploma)/HNC (Higher National Certificate) also come under the umbrella of vocational courses. These are excellent qualifications for those that are better at using their hands and do not particularly like being in a classroom for most of the learning time.
T-Levels - T-levels are a new technical qualification that includes 80% classroom learning and 20% Industry placement. This qualification focuses on gaining experience within a field in addition to academic knowledge on the subject.
6TH FORM OR COLLEGE? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Another important distinction to make is that college and sixth form, although very similar, are not actually the same thing;
A sixth form typically caters to students aged 16 to 19 years old who wish to study A-levels, vocational courses, and (in some colleges) T-levels.
Further Education colleges are very similar to sixth form except they typically admit students aged 16+, meaning they also do adult learning, and provide vocational courses, including business, IT, Creative Media, Construction, Plumbing and more.
So what should you choose?
Well that question could have multiple answers but to keep it simple, you should consider at least three important things;
Location - What kind of institution do you have near you? If you would like to study somewhere that is near to home then this can influence your choice, is the nearest establishment a college or a sixth form? What options do they offer? How long would your commute be everyday? How much will the commute cost each month?
Options - If you have decided what you; want to study, are interested in or might like to do in future, then you also need to consider if the institutions you are most interested in actually have the classes that you want to do. If you live near a performing arts college but you want to study business management, then it would not be logical to apply for that college unless they offer a business course.
Environment - Have you attended the taster sessions? Have you toured the buildings(s)? Have you met the teachers? Knowing what the school environment is like, who will be teaching the course, and the teaching styles can be extremely important because you will be there for hours at a time for most of the week.