There are several pathways for 16 to 18-year olds to choose from, depending on what they're thinking about doing next.
If your child is ready to begin a level 3 programme they could take a T-level or A-levels. Or take up an apprenticeship, a traineeship, or select part-time learning whilst working or volunteering.
There are many different providers of post-16 education, including schools with sixth forms, sixth form colleges, and further education (FE) colleges.
There are also independent providers that specialise in training for different sectors and employers that are set up to provide training in house.
Each provider might offer similar qualifications, but there will be variations in the subjects and the course content you can study with each of them. Some subjects and courses have entry requirements.
Your child’s aspirations will inform what they choose to study next. They may need to achieve certain grades to be accepted onto their next course.
If your child achieves a grade 4 (previously Grade C) or above in their English and Maths GCSE, this opens up the full range of pathway options available from 16+. However, many young people do not achieve these grades at the first attempt.
Don’t be too anxious if this applies to your child. It’s not unusual to repeat either or both of these qualifications. In fact, because these two GCSEs are such an important foundation for most people’s further study or employment, government funds all young people to continue studying these subjects until they achieve grade 4 or until the age of 18. This could be at their existing school or college, or wherever they have chosen to train or study next.
As well as the options listed above, there are others available from 16+ that you may want to explore with your child.
These include:
Information to help parents and carers support young people in making the right decision about study and work.
A series of helpful articles written by experts offering advice and information to support young people during their transition to adult working life.
A starting point for parents and students to explore career choices. Search and apply for jobs, courses, placements and apprenticeships.