Lots of young people choose to do A-Levels post-16, and these are excellent general qualifications that are valued by employers and universities. A-Levels offer a great route into higher education and employment but are not the only route to higher education. Vocational courses are also an option.
| Post-16 option | Entry level 3 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School 6th form | Key Stage 3 | GCSEs (grades 3 to 1) | GCSEs (grades 9 to 4) | A-Levels | Foundation Degree (FdA, FSc) Higher National Diploma (HND - L5) | Foundation Degree (FdA, FSc) Higher National Diploma (HND - L5) | University Degree (BA/BSc / BEng) |
| College further education | E3 Diploma (Foundation) | L1 Diploma / Functional Skills | L2 National / BTEC Diploma / Functional Skills | L3 Diploma / Extended Diploma (BTEC or other) / Access to HE courses | Foundation Degree (FdA, FSc) Higher National Certificate (HNC - L4) | Foundation Degree (FdA, FSc) Higher National Certificate (HNC - L4) | University Degree (BA / BSc / BEng) |
| Apprenticeships | – | Traineeship (preparation for apprenticeship) | Intermediate Apprenticeship (NVQ L2) | Advanced Apprenticeship (NVQ L2) | Higher/Degree Apprenticeship (NVQ L4 + L5) | Higher/Degree Apprenticeship (NVQ L4 + L5) | Degree Apprenticeship (NVQ L5 + L6) |
What is the participation age?
The government has increased the age to which all young people in England must continue in education or training. It’s called raising the participation age or RPA.
How does this affect the children I support?
Raising the participation age means young people must continue in education or training until they are 18. It does not mean they must stay in school – they can choose one of the following options:
- Full-time education, such as school, college or learning provider
- Work-based learning, such as an apprenticeship or traineeship
- Part-time education or training if you are employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week
16+ bursary
When students start college/sixth form, most provisions will enable them to apply for a 16+ bursary worth up to £1,200. This will be paid termly and based on attendance. Students can apply through their school or college and should be advised to meet with the student services at the provision.
Traineeships
A traineeship is an education and training programme which incorporates work experience, preparing young people for their future careers by helping them to become 'work ready’. Through a traineeship programme, young people can undertake their functional skills English and maths, employability skills and ICT qualifications.
Please see a list of training providers below that offer these opportunities:
- Skills for Growth (Stratford) – traineeships in business admin, childcare, customer service, ICT, sales and management
- UK Unsigned Education (Tottenham) – traineeships in events organisations, marketing and promotion, customer service, hospitality, live events and music production
- Tottenham Hotspurs – traineeships in a range of different sectors, such as ICT, construction, hospitality and retail
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide direct experience in the working. Hands-on training offers the opportunity to put skills into practice and gain more confidence in a working environment.
University
When your young person begins thinking about university, this should be discussed with them in college/sixth form with tutors. Tutors should also support the development of the personal statement in preparation for the UCAS application.
Entry requirements
Advise young people to research the entry requirements for their chosen course in advance. It’s a good idea to plan ahead for this in case they need to put in some extra work in their college course in the final year to make sure they gain enough UCAS points for entry.
Students requiring extra financial support can apply providing they eligibility criteria is met.