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Choices at 16: Where next?

After Year 11, there are lots of choices on offer, and many ways of gaining further qualifications, skills and work experience. These include:

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

After Year 11, there are lots of choices on offer, and many ways of gaining further qualifications, skills and work experience.

These include:
> continuing full-time education, either at school or college
> starting work or work-based training
> voluntary work or work abroad

To help you make the choice that’s right for you, think carefully about what suits you, and talk to your parents, carers, and friends – the people that know you best.
The careers teacher at your school should have lots of advice on hand; you can also ask a Connexions personal adviser or a Connexions Direct Adviser. Another good place for information and inspiration is the ‘It’s your choice’ website and booklet.
Remember that whatever you choose, it pays to keep learning. Research shows that there is a substantial increase in weekly earnings for people with qualifications.

Staying in full-time education

Whether you stay on at school, or go to a sixth form college or further education college, you’ll find a wide variety of subjects on offer. Remember, further education isn’t just about A levels – you can choose from a range of qualifications such as General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ), City and Guilds and BTEC.
If you think you may not be able to go into full time study for financial reasons, there’s help available – including the Education Maintenance Allowance, which could give you up to £30 a week.

Work and work-based training

Working doesn't mean that you stop learning; there are ways in which you can improve your skills and get qualifications, from Apprenticeships, to Time off for Study or Training to Entry to Employment.

Voluntary work or work abroad

A further option is to take time out to travel, work abroad or to make a difference through taking part in voluntary work.

Routes into university and higher education

By continuing with full-time learning at an advanced level, or starting an Apprenticeship, you can take important steps towards qualifying for a higher education course.