Student Zone

Your Post-16 Options

After Year 11, there are several paths you can take depending on your interests, strengths, and future goals. Below is an overview of the main options, along with useful links to help you explore what’s right for you.

Further Education (FE)

Further Education refers to any study you can take after secondary school that isn’t part of a university degree. FE includes a wide range of courses — from improving English and maths skills to studying technical qualifications at higher levels.

For students aged 16 to 19, FE includes three main types of technical or applied courses:

Applied General Qualifications

Advanced-level courses that mix academic learning with practical skills. These are similar to A Levels and support progression to university or higher apprenticeships.

T Levels (Level 3 Tech Levels)

Specialist technical qualifications that prepare you for skilled careers. They combine classroom learning with industry placements.

Level 2 Technical Certificates

Designed to help you gain employment or progress to a higher-level technical course.

Local Colleges Attended by Our Pupils

Labour Market Information (LMI)

Labour Market Information helps you explore job opportunities now and in the future. It provides key insights such as:

  • Job roles and responsibilities

  • Entry routes and required qualifications

  • Salary expectations

  • Skills needed for different careers

  • Predicted future demand for certain industries

LMI is especially useful when planning your next steps, helping you understand which careers are growing and where your skills might be most valuable.

Useful LMI Links

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a paid job where you learn practical skills in the workplace while also studying towards a recognised qualification.

An apprenticeship includes:

  • Paid employment with holiday leave

  • Real work experience in a chosen industry

  • At least 20% off-the-job training

  • A nationally recognised qualification upon completion

Useful Apprenticeship Links

Higher Education (Post-18)

Higher Education refers to study at university or at some FE colleges, usually after the age of 18. It allows you to specialise in a subject you enjoy and can significantly boost your career prospects.

Types of Higher Education Courses

  • Diplomas

  • Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Foundation Degrees

  • Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)

  • Degree-Level Apprenticeships

Useful Higher Education Links

If university isn’t for you, explore alternative routes here:
Not Going to Uni Website

Useful Careers Links