Options 16+

Once you get to 16, you've got some decisions to make about your future. You've two key choices... stay on in full time education, or start work and get training.

There's lots of information about careers, finding work and local vacancies in the Careers section.

If you need help deciding... take a look at the Advice section.

Stay on in full-time education

If so, you will need to think about subjects you want to study and in what way - some rely on exams, others are assessed by coursework.

You'll also need to know what level of course is right for you. This will depend on what qualifications you have, or are expecting to get.

• Entry Level: Supportive courses (eg Skills for Living) with no formal entry requirements.
• Foundation (Level 1): Usually vocational courses (eg Introductory Diploma). It is an advantage to have some GCSEs E to G, or Entry Level.
• Intermediate (Level 2): Usually vocational courses (eg First Diploma), some needing 3 GCSEs grades D/E, or Foundation Level.
• Advanced (Level 3): Usually needing at least 4 GCSEs grades C or above, or Intermediate Level.
  • A Level
  • Diploma
  • BTEC National
  • International Baccalaureate

Start work and get training

• Apprenticeships: Train to do a particular job whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification (eg NVQs).
• Entry to Employment (e2e): Get the skills you need to go into an apprenticeship, further learning, or a job.