What next after your GCSES?
What next after your GCSES?
Although Year 11 marks the end of your school days you are still required to stay in education or training until the age of 18.
Your options include:
- Full time study at college or 6th forms such as A-Levels, BTECS and more.
- An apprenticeship or traineeship.
- A mix of work with part-time study.
You should research all the options available to you now as the decisions you make may narrow your choices further on. Speak to teachers, school career advisors, friends, careers and your parents. Visit college open days to see the campus and ask questions. You can also speak to the National Careers Service for more information and help.
Keep an open mind!
Find out which options and courses are available and what courses can help you get to the career you want.
Staying in education
If you choose to stay in education you can study at: • Your current sixth form (if they have one) • A Further Education College • A specialist college such as drama, dance and more
Each school or college is likely to offer a range of different subjects, courses and learning styles. You may have to option to study part-time, weekends or evening. Check out the application process for any colleges that interest you. Applications usually take place in the spring of year 11. Many colleges do take students after GCSE results day through to the beginning of the term. Some have application cut off dates but many allow you to apply right up to and at enrolment.
What to study?
A-levels focus on academic subjects and exams. Vocational study programmes include practical tasks and experience and a lesser exam component. Both routes usually take two years to complete. Don’t worry If you’re GCSES didn’t go well, Colleges often offer the opportunity to sit retakes and study for new GCSES or other qualifications. You can retake English and/or maths alongside a subject specific study programme.
Financial support
You can find help and support with learning costs such as transport and bursaries on the GOV.UK website.
Apprenticeships and traineeships If you don’t want to be in a classroom full time and want to learn a new profession, trade or skill, then this could be the right route for you. Apprenticeships are real\ jobs with training. You can learn while you earn and gain qualifications along the way. Apprenticeship schemes can take between one and four years to complete. They also run at different levels. Make sure to research what level best suits your aims.
Traineeships help to prepare you for work. They last up to six months and offer maths and English training together with work experience. This boosts your skills and helps put you in a much better position to get an apprenticeship job.