What can I do after Year 11?
I have/am likely to achieve...
Functional Skills
Functional Skills are qualifications designed to help both young people and adults develop their essential Maths, English and ICT skills, which can be used in employment and everyday life. If you have not achieved Grade 4 at GCSE in English and Maths, Functional Skills (or GCSE retakes) will make up part of your post-16 programme in Further Education or on an apprenticeship. Once achieved, Functional Skills at Level 2 in English and Maths are the equivalent of GCSE grade 4 in these subjects and can allow you to progress on to more advanced courses if needed.
Vocational Courses
Vocational courses are designed to help you learn in a practical way about a specific job area or job. These are offered in a range of areas including hairdressing, catering, health & social care, music production, construction, and mechanics. They can help you get the skills you need to start a job, progress in a career or go on to higher education. Generally vocational qualifications are offered by colleges and some independent training providers. Vocational options are available at Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
Entry requirements will vary between colleges and courses, but are likely to be:
- No entry requirements for Entry Level study
- At least 2 GCSEs at grade 2 or above for Level 1 study
- At least 3 GCSEs at grade 3 or above for Level 2 study
- At least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above for Level 3 study
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are real jobs which combine work with training and study. Anyone 16 or older can undertake an apprenticeship, and you can apply for an apprenticeship whilst you’re still at school. You’ll earn a wage whilst gaining a qualification and gaining real skills in a specific career. There are over 700 types of apprenticeships in different specialisms. In some cases, you may be offered a job at the end of your apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are available at Level 2 (Intermediate Apprenticeship, equivalent to 5 GCSE passes), all the way up to Level 7 (Degree Apprenticeship, equivalent to a master’s degree).
Entry requirements are determined by the employer and training provider, and will be higher for Advanced, Higher and Degree level apprenticeships, however some will have no eligibility requirement for Level 2.
You can apply for apprenticeships by approaching employers directly or you can search for live vacancies via the Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.
A Levels
A levels (Advanced Levels) are two-year subject-based qualifications for students aged 16 or older, generally aimed at those who plan to go to university or want much deeper knowledge of a study area.
A levels are often provided by schools with sixth form colleges, dedicated Sixth Form colleges and Further Education colleges. There is a wide range of subjects for students to choose from – depending on what their school or college offers.
Requirements for A Level study vary between providers and subjects, but you will need at least 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, usually including English and Maths.
T Levels
T Levels combine study in a learning environment with a substantial industry placement so that you can gain the skills and experience you need to progress into work, an apprenticeship or higher study. Students spend 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% on a minimum 9-week placement with an employer.
T Levels are usually provided by colleges in a range of different subjects, including construction, media, law, health, and education.
Entry requirements vary between providers and subjects, but generally require you to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Maths. Foundation year programmes are available for those who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are real jobs which combine work with training and study. Anyone 16 or older can undertake an apprenticeship, and you can apply for an apprenticeship whilst you’re still at school. You’ll earn a wage whilst gaining a qualification and gaining real skills in a specific career. There are over 700 types of apprenticeships in different specialisms. In some cases, you may be offered a job at the end of your apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are available at Level 2 (Intermediate Apprenticeship, equivalent to 5 GCSE passes), all the way up to Level 7 (Degree Apprenticeship, equivalent to a master’s degree).
Entry requirements are determined by the employer and training provider, and will be higher for Advanced, Higher and Degree level apprenticeships, however some will have no eligibility requirement for Level 2.
You can apply for apprenticeships by approaching employers directly or you can search for live vacancies via the Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.
Vocational Courses
Vocational courses are designed to help you learn in a practical way about a specific job area or job. These are offered in a range of areas including hairdressing, catering, health & social care, music production, construction, and mechanics. They can help you get the skills you need to start a job, progress in a career or go on to higher education. Generally vocational qualifications are offered by colleges and some independent training providers. Vocational options are available at Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
Entry requirements will vary between colleges and courses, but are likely to be:
- No entry requirements for Entry Level study
- At least 2 GCSEs at grade 2 or above for Level 1 study
- At least 3 GCSEs at grade 3 or above for Level 2 study
- At least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above for Level 3 study