A LEVELS & VOCATIONAL
Study, full time
A levels can be taken at a sixth form college, further education college or University Technical College. Vocational technical qualifications, such as BTECs, are another route.
Check maths and EnglishIn England, learning carries on until 18.
That does not have to mean staying at school. It can be a sixth form or college, an apprenticeship, or work or volunteering alongside part-time study. Here is what each route involves, from official guidance.
Updated
Check maths and EnglishTHE SHORT ANSWER
More than one road
after Year 11.
You can leave school at 16, but not learning.
The route is yours to choose.
T LEVELS
Classroom plus placement
A T Level is a 2-year course roughly equivalent in size to 3 A levels, with an industry placement of at least 315 hours. There are over 20 subjects.
See the numbers
APPRENTICESHIPS
A real job, with training
Apprentices earn a wage and get holiday pay, and spend at least 20% of their normal working hours in off-the-job training. You can apply while still at school.
How to chooseA QUICK RESULTS CHECK
Maths and English
keep going.
Whatever route you take, maths and English may carry on too. Pick your GCSE grade in either subject to see what the funding rules say. The bar shows how much further study is expected.
This applies to 16 to 19 study programmes and T Levels in England. Your school, college or careers adviser can tell you exactly what applies to you.
TWO NUMBERS WORTH KNOWING
Time in the workplace
is built in.
One figure for T Levels,
one for apprenticeships.
315 hours
Minimum industry placement
Every T Level includes an industry placement of at least 315 hours. To pass, students also need at least an E in the core component and a pass in the occupational specialism.
T LEVELS · DfE
20%
Off-the-job training, minimum
Apprentices spend at least 20% of their normal working hours on off-the-job training related to their role. Apprenticeships take from 8 months to 6 years, depending on type and level.
APPRENTICESHIPS · GOV.UK
The Department for Education says one T Level is roughly equivalent in size to 3 A levels, and the top T Level grade is equal to achieving 3 A* at A level. An advanced apprenticeship (level 3) is equivalent to A level.
FOUR STEPS TO A DECISION
Choose for you,
with a plan B.
The National Careers Service suggests a few simple habits when weighing up options at 16. None of them needs a decision today.
Start with what you enjoy
Think about the subjects you have enjoyed and the job areas you might like. A skills assessment can help.
Choose for yourself
Pick the course or route that suits you, rather than following friends.
Talk it through
Ask teachers, parents or carers, college staff and careers advisers what each route involves.
Keep a backup
Have a second option ready in case results or plans change, and know that support is available if you want to resit an exam.
MONEY WHILE YOU STUDY
Help with books,
bus fares and lunch.
Students aged 16 to 19 at a publicly funded school or college in England, or on a training course, may get help from the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, worth up to £1,200 depending on circumstances and benefits.
It can pay for clothing, books and equipment for the course, and transport and lunch on days you study or train. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use a different scheme, the Education Maintenance Allowance.
Questions
Questions people ask
Can I leave school at 16?
In England you can leave school on the last Friday in June if you will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays. You must then stay in education or training until 18.
Do I have to go to college until 18?
No. You can be in full-time education, an apprenticeship, or working or volunteering for 20 or more hours a week while in part-time education or training.
Is a T Level the same as A levels?
It is a different kind of course. One T Level is roughly equivalent in size to 3 A levels and includes an industry placement of at least 315 hours. The top grade is equal to 3 A* at A level.
How old do I need to be for an apprenticeship?
You must be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start, live in England and not be in full-time education. You can apply while you are still at school.
What if I did not get grade 4 in maths or English?
You will usually keep studying it. Full-time students with a grade 3 must study towards a GCSE, and those with grade 2 or below can work towards Functional Skills level 2 or a GCSE.
Sources
Where the facts come from
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