Sonia Hardwick

Options at 16 – a guide for families

Illustration by (and copyright of) Chris Targett

Year 11 is a key transition point for young people and there is plenty you can do to support your child through this time. 

Even though they might not admit it, family support and influence on future choice is really significant, so you’ll be glad to know there is lots of information to help you as a family! 

This article introduces you to the main options after 16, but you may find, depending on where you live, the offer is slightly different. 

The raising of the participation age in England means that, whatever your child’s next step, some form of study or training is compulsory until at least the age of 18. They won’t have to stay in full-time education, but they will need to opt for some part-time learning if they choose to work or volunteer.

It’s also important to remember that not all courses will be available at all providers (which includes colleges, sixth forms and private training providers).

What does your child need to consider?

Talk to your child to see what career ideas they have; this may help you advise them on their next steps. 

As a starting point, the National Careers Service has some really good information to help you explore the options together. 

You should also check with the school that your child has seen a qualified career adviser (or have a guidance interview coming up, depending on timing).

If your child doesn’t currently have a clear career idea, that’s absolutely fine. They should look for a next step that keeps as many options open for them as possible for the future. 

Talk to them about their favourite subjects and the type of things they enjoy. It’s also important to discuss what type of learning environment they like. For example, if they enjoy structured learning and have career ambitions, such as medicine or law, full-time study at a sixth form or a college might suit them.

If your child prefers practical learning it may be appropriate for them to consider an apprenticeship. It’s important to note that apprenticeships are available at various levels, and the number of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships available is expanding. 

My child has additional needs, what do we need to do?

If your child has additional needs, there will be specialist providers where needed for their continued learning and development. 

If they have an EHC (Education and Health Care) plan, post-16 options should be discussed as early as possible in your child’s reviews as part of their transition planning. You can find useful information through Sense.

Contact your local authority for information on additional local support (as well as what is provided through their school).

What else can help your child decide?

As part of their careers education, your child’s school will provide careers activities. There may be visits to certain providers, and employers and other ‘partners’ will also visit the school. These can all help broaden their ideas and can help when planning the next step. 

Ask the school what is taking place and check what they have planned. 

The main options 

Full-time study: this route can be undertaken at a school sixth form, sixth form college, further education college, University Technical College (UTC) or another type of provider. Qualifications on offer may include A Levels, BTECs and T Levels.

Part-time study: if your child starts an apprenticeship, they will be learning as well as working/earning. 

What qualifications are available?

There’s a huge range of different courses available, and many types of qualifications, from entry level to advanced. The length of a course often depends on the level your child takes. An overview of qualification levels can be found through GOV.UK.

Part of your child’s research will be to look at what’s available in your area that they are interested in.

There are other qualifications available, this article aims to provide an overview of the most widely available.

  • A levels

A levels are usually studied over two years. They are assessed primarily via exams and are are available in mainly traditional subjects including maths, science and history. A usual programme of study would comprise three A levels, but other options may be available (see below).

  • BTECs 

Most BTECs (such as BTEC Firsts and Nationals) are linked to a broad ‘job area’, such as engineering, sport or media. They are available at different levels. Theory is linked to practical work/learning so students can apply their knowledge. Sometimes it is possible to combine BTECs with A level or other qualifications.

  • Vocational qualifications

There are many ‘vocational qualifications’, offered through different awarding bodies, that relate to specific jobs or career sectors. Unlike more traditional courses, like A levels, the focus is usually on practical learning and the application of skills, knowledge and understanding. Work experience may form an important part of the programme.

Vocational qualifications are often taken as part of an apprenticeship programme. 

  • T levels

T Levels are fairly new qualifications combining classroom learning (80%) and learning in the workplace (20%). They are designed for young people as an option after GCSEs and are available in a number of job sectors, such as health and social care. They are full-time programmes lasting two years and are equivalent to three A levels. T levels attract UCAS points (needed for entry to higher education). They have been created with employers and include an industry placement of at least 45 days. 

Some top tips

  • Visit local learning providers in your area – this can give you and your child a real sense of what studying there will be like. They might get a chance to speak to previous learners.
  • Check travel and access issues; these could be significant factors in choosing the next step.
  • Have a look at provider websites and check the entry requirements; most places will have an online prospectus to show what they offer and what is needed for entry.
  • Check if there are application deadlines for your child’s preferred provider/s.
  • Encourage your child to have a back-up plan as a bit of reassurance. 
  • Information can change rapidly, so always make sure to double check!

Further sources of information

© Sonia Hardwick

Sonia Hardwick
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