After Year 11, you must continue in some form of education or training until the age of 18, but that doesn’t mean staying in school.
You have three main pathways, and each one can lead to exciting futures. Explore them below to see which one might suit you best.
Study at school, sixth form or college
Choose from courses like A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and more. Ideal if you enjoy classroom learning and want to keep future options open — including university.
Earn while you learn
Work towards a qualification while gaining real job experience and a wage. Perfect if you’re ready to enter the workplace and prefer hands-on learning.
With part-time study alongside
You can work or volunteer for 20+ hours a week as long as you’re also in part-time education or training. Great if you want to build experience and independence straight away.
You can choose from a wide range of academic and vocational courses such as:
Jess, Year 12 student
Assessment is often exam-based, with papers taken during or at the end of a two-year course.
You feel comfortable in a classroom-type environment, where lessons follow a timetable and subjects are taught by specialist teachers.
Studying full-time means you can choose courses like A Levels or T Levels that are widely recognised by universities and employers.
You’d prefer to spend more time developing your knowledge and skills before moving into a job or apprenticeship.
Earn while you learn
Work towards a qualification while gaining real job experience and a wage. Perfect if you’re ready to enter the workplace and prefer hands-on learning.
With part-time study alongside
You can work or volunteer for 20+ hours a week as long as you’re also in part-time education or training. Great if you want to build experience and independence straight away.
If you’re ready to step into the world of work but still want to keep learning, an apprenticeship could be the right choice. You’ll be employed, earn a wage, and work towards a recognised qualification — all while gaining hands-on experience.
You can choose from apprenticeships in areas such as:
Amina, Business Administration apprentice
Apprenticeships combine real work with study, so you’ll need to balance both. You’ll be employed and paid, while also working towards a qualification.
You’ll get a wage, paid holiday, and on-the-job training alongside classroom or online learning.
If you like learning by doing and want to develop skills directly in the workplace, an apprenticeship could suit you.
Apprenticeships are career-focused, so you’ll be building skills in a specific area right from the start.
Study at school, sixth form or college
Choose from courses like A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and more. Ideal if you enjoy classroom learning and want to keep future options open — including university.
With part-time study alongside
You can work or volunteer for 20+ hours a week as long as you’re also in part-time education or training. Great if you want to build experience and independence straight away.
If full-time study isn’t for you, you can choose to work or volunteer for 20 hours or more per week. You’ll gain valuable skills, grow your confidence, and start earning — while still having the option to train or study part-time alongside your role.
You could explore opportunities such as:
Callum, retail employee and community volunteer
Working or volunteering full-time helps you gain independence, earn money, and build transferable skills for the future.
Paid work gives you immediate income, independence, and experience in the world of work.
Spending time with charities or community organisations helps you gain confidence and develop valuable skills.
Working or volunteering can be combined with part-time study or training, giving you more freedom to shape your path.
Earn while you learn
Work towards a qualification while gaining real job experience and a wage. Perfect if you’re ready to enter the workplace and prefer hands-on learning.
Study at school, sixth form or college
Choose from courses like A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and more. Ideal if you enjoy classroom learning and want to keep future options open — including university.
Explore the map to learn more about your local post-16 providers.
Click on the pins to view more information about each provider, including the subjects and qualifications they offer, any available extracurricular activities, their entry requirements, and more.
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