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Planning your education and future pathway is a journey, not something you only think about when you have to.
This page gives you all the information you need to make your Post-16 choices in Year 11. Use it to explore your options, look at local providers, and prepare for your next steps.
It can feel quite daunting thinking about your future and trying to make decisions, so a good place to start is by asking yourself three simple questions:
We are not expecting you to know all the answers, and your ideas are likely to change over time, but now is the right moment to start exploring information about careers, jobs and courses to help you understand your options.
If you feel unsure or would like to talk things through, you can get personalised advice from a Careers Adviser. Email Dr E. Dando and she will organise an appointment for you.
Remember: You do not have to make these decisions alone, support is always available.
As you explore your options this year, here are the main routes available after Year 11:
A-Levels are one of the main Post-16 routes. A-Levels are academic qualifications you study over two years. They are offered in schools, sixth form centres, and some colleges, and are well-respected by universities and employers.
A-Levels offer a strong academic route that keeps a wide range of university and career options open.
Choosing your A-Levels needs careful thought. Here are some things that will help:
Even if you are unsure, start by asking:
If you have a career in mind, look up whether you need specific subjects. You can check for career requirements.
Some degrees require certain A-Levels. Check on the UCAS website or individual university pages.
It is hard to take 3–4 subjects you have never studied before. Aim for a balance of familiar and new.
Talk to:
But remember, the final choice is yours.
BTECs are practical, vocational qualifications that focus on real-world skills and hands-on learning. You can study them at colleges, sixth forms and, in some cases, alongside A-Levels at St Mary’s.
BTECs can be a great choice if you prefer coursework, real-life projects, and applied learning rather than mainly theory-based lessons and exams.
BTECs let you learn through real projects and practical coursework.
There is a wide range of BTEC subjects, especially in practical or industry-focused areas. Examples include:
Subjects that are mainly theory-based (like Maths or English) are usually taken as A-Levels instead.
Unlike A-Levels, which are mostly assessed by exams at the end of Year 13, BTECs use:
If exams feel stressful or you work better over time, BTECs can offer a more balanced way to show what you can do.
BTECs are widely accepted by colleges, universities, and employers. Many universities publish BTEC entry requirements alongside A-Level grades.
To study BTECs, you will usually need:
If you have a particular course or university in mind, always check whether they accept:
BTECs may suit you if:
You can explore more about BTECs on CareerPilot.
T-Levels are two-year technical qualifications designed with employers to give you the skills and knowledge needed for specific industries. They are an alternative to A-Levels, BTECs, and apprenticeships, and combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement. You will spend around 80% in the classroom and 20% on a real work placement (a minimum of 315 hours/45 days).
T-Levels combine classroom learning with real industry experience.
T-Levels are available in a growing number of specialist areas. Examples include:
Not all providers offer every T-Level, so you should check what each local college or sixth form provides.
T-Levels are assessed through:
Your final grade will be Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. T-Levels also come with UCAS points, meaning they can lead to university as well as apprenticeships or full-time skilled employment.
Most colleges expect:
T-Levels can lead to:
If you have a particular job or university course in mind, always check whether your chosen T-Level is accepted as requirements can vary.
A T-Level may suit you if:
Learn more about T-Levels here.
Apprenticeships allow you to work in a real job while gaining a qualification at the same time. You earn a wage, receive training from your employer, and study towards a recognised qualification with a college or training provider. You spend most of your week in the workplace, and usually one day per week completing your training.
Most apprentices progress into full-time employment after completing their programme.
Apprenticeships are available at different levels, including:
There is a huge range of apprenticeship roles covering almost every industry. Examples include:
New apprenticeships are added regularly as industries develop.
Your assessment usually includes:
You finish with a nationally recognised qualification, such as:
Entry requirements depend on the level:
Apprenticeships can lead to:
Many apprentices are kept on by their employer at the end of the programme.
An apprenticeship may suit you if:
Apprenticeships are competitive so you should apply early and consider a back-up option such as college or sixth form.
You can search for roles on:
Some employers recruit very early (as soon as autumn of Year 11), so checking regularly is important.
Search for vacancies on the National Apprenticeship Service.
There are several colleges and Sixth Form Centres in our area offering a wide range of A-Levels, T-Levels, BTECs, vocational courses, and apprenticeships. Each provider has a different mix of subjects, facilities and entry requirements, so it is important to explore what suits you.
Most providers begin taking applications in the autumn term of Year 11, and many run open events throughout the year so you can visit, ask questions and get a feel for the environment. Attending these is one of the best ways to make an informed choice.
When researching colleges and sixth forms, consider:
It can help to visit more than one provider so you can compare.
Applications are usually made:
Make sure you:
If you need support completing applications, Dr E. Dando can help you.
Most providers list courses, entry requirements and open days on their websites. Checking these early will help you make confident, well-informed choices.