Choices at 16+

On this page we outline

1. What are my options? Find post 16 provision on Infolink
2. I don’t know where to start
3. Online resources
4. Information for parents and carers

“What are my options?”

From 2015, young people are required to continue in learning or training until they are age 18. Raising the participation age (RPA) does not mean young people must stay in school.

What are my choices, and what should I do next?

Your options range from college courses and sixth form, to apprenticeships and other work-based learning options.

You can:

1. Stay in full-time education

You can stay in full-time education – at a school sixth form, 6th form college or FE College and study a range of qualifications at all levels from foundation courses to Level 3, vocational to A level and T level study programmes.

Attend a training provider – Some training providers also offer full time courses, with start dates throughout the year. These are much smaller than a 6th form or college, and give you the chance to get work experience, improve your maths and English skills, and gain confidence.

• Use the Infolink directory to find post 16 provision.

2. Do work with training

If you feel ready to go into work, there are a few options you can take.

Apprenticeships, traineeships and supported internships (for people with EHCP) allow you to gain work experience and learn at the same time.

'I have additional needs'

If you have additional needs, find out about your options and the support available to you on our page - 'I have additional needs'.

If you are in care or leaving care, find out about you options and the support available to you on our page - 'I am in care or leaving care'.

“I don’t know where to start!”

It can feel overwhelming! So start with some research.

1) Think about what you enjoy, how you like to learn and where you would like to be in 5 years time. 

2) Make a list of the options open to you to help you decide which path is the right one for you. Speak to someone for advice.

3) Then allow yourself the space and time to think! 

Speak to a careers adviser in school or college – You don’t have to do it on your own. There are qualified people in school and college to help you with your career ideas and options, along with people who are close to you and who know you well.

Currently not in school or college? Find a local adviser who can help you.

Online Resources

• What do I want to be when I am older?

• National Careers Service website for careers advice and you can explore careers, search for learning opportunities or take the skills assessment. They also have a handy page called outlining your post-16 options, that details different types of qualification.
  
• Yojo careers and apprenticeships app search for apprenticeships, get tips and careers advice on the go.
  
• Home – Apprenticeships Suffolk – Search for and find support to find an apprenticeship.

• Search online for education and training Providers (list from Apprenticeships Suffolk) websites – All school 6th forms, 6th form colleges, FE colleges and Training Providers have their own websites.

Information for parents and carers – ‘Options after year 11’