Post-16 Study Options and Career Paths in England

1. Options after year 11

2. Raising of participation age (RPA) • The Government has increased the age to which all young people in England must continue in education or training; since 2015 all young people have been expected to remain in some form of education and training until they are 18 years old. • This means that students will able to choose one of the following options post-16: • full-time education, such as school or college • an apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship • part-time education or training if you are employed, self-employed or volunteering full-time (which is defined as 20 hours or more a week). • Training, which also includes The Army or other forces. • An education to employment scheme such as a traineeship. • Taken from http://www.education.gov.uk

3. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EACH POST 16 OPTION

4. A Levels 1st year is AS levels, usually 3-5 subjects (Year 12) 2nd year is A levels and if taking more than 3 you will normally drop 1 or 2 subjects leaving 3 that you continue studying (year 13) Normally will need 5 GCSE’s at Grade A*-C (most places will ask for more or require at least a B grade in subjects you are continuing with) These courses lead to both Higher Education and to Employmentor Higher Apprenticeships. A levels are offered in 6th forms and at colleges.

5. BTEC’S • 3 LEVELS AVAILABLE- INTRODUCTORY, FIRST AND NATIONAL • MORE PRACTICAL, COURSEWORK BASED AND ASSESSMENT AS YOU GO ALONG. NORMALLY WILL STUDY BTEC ON ITS OWN. • CAN STILL GO TO UNIVERSITY BUT WOULD NEED TO CHECK ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICULAR DEGREES AND WOULD NEED DISTINCTION/MERIT FOR POINTS. WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE A DEGREE IN A RELATED AREA E.G BTEC ENGINEERING TO DEGREE IN ENGINEERING. • AVAILABLE IN A RANGE OF SUBJECTS- PERFORMING ARTS, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, ART AND DESIGN, PUBLIC SERVICES…. • WOULD NEED TO KNOW THAT IT WAS AN AREA YOU DEFINITELY SAW YOURSELF GOING IN TO.

6. APPRENTICESHIPS • Apprenticeships offer structured training in the workplace • Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels. • Intermediate : Level 2 (5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C) • Advanced : Level 3 (2 A level passes) • Higher : Levels 4,5,6 and 7 (Foundation degree and above) • Degree : Level 6 and 7 (Bachelor’s or master’s degree) • Assessed by preparing a portfolio of evidence of work • All include key skills, such as communication, numeracy and IT. • If your Apprenticeship includes a technical certificate, there may also be some exams which are mainly multiple choice • Most Apprenticeships are ‘employer-led’, • you have to find a job with an employer although there are some local and national training providers who will match potential apprentices to vacancies. • Available to 16-24 year olds (there are now also adult apprenticeships) • Some will still ask for GCSE’s and especially in English, Maths and Science at grade C/D. • Mixture of work placement and college/training provider

8. Pre- Apprenticeships • Part of Kingston Adult Education, offers Pre Apprenticeships (16-24 year olds) and Apprenticeships. Based at the King Charles Centre, King Charles Road, Surbiton KT5 9AL . • This 12 week programme consists of • employability skills, • help with job applications, interviews and job search. • Work experience • level 1 Functional Skills qualification in Maths and English if needed. • Personal one to one reviews and support • http://www.kingston.gov.uk

9. Foundation Learning and Employment • Foundation learning (previously e2e) is aimed at young people who are not ready or not able to enter further education, work or apprenticeships. It is offered at training providers and colleges. • Helps to develop practical skills to be able to progress. • Full time employment is very difficult for young people. Claiming JSA is also tougher as it is seen that there are other opportunities available.

10. TRAINEESHIPS Traineeships are designed help young people who want to get an apprenticeship or job but don’t yet have appropriate skills or experience. A traineeship is an education and training programme with work experience that unlocks the great potential of young people and prepares them for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’. Designed to help young people aged 16 to 24 who don’t yet have the appropriate skills or experience, traineeships provide the essential work preparation training, English, maths and work experience needed to secure an apprenticeship or employment.

12. Post 18 options Higher Education-at university, college or though distance learning. FE Courses-can be useful if you want to gain skills in a specific career Jobs with traininge.g. internships or in house schemes. Year Out- ‘gap year’(good for gaining experience or saving for university but caution should be taken over the draw of earning money which can become more appealing than going to Uni.) Resitting 'A' Levels- either at 6th form or college(education is free until you are 19 but must be 18 on registration as of the 31st August ) Apprenticeships- available to 16-24 year olds and adult apprenticeships are slowly becoming more available. (level 3 apprenticeships will be the equivalent to A levels but will give you experience in a particular industry, in some cases higher level apprenticeships may be available.)

13. Use your appointment with the careers advisor to ask questions and get help. • Attend open days for 6th forms, colleges and providers. • Apply early for courses and apprenticeships • Apply for at least 3 places. • Have a back up plan • Ask for help Advice for Young People.