Post-16 Options

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There are many different routes now available after students complete their GCSEs and leave secondary school. Below is a summary of each of the available qualifications and options available to students, as well as some local providers of further education and their contact details:

Click Here to View the Surrey County Council Post 16 Route Planner Document

Post-16 options (qualifications, apprenticeships and traineeships):

A-Levels

A-Levels are a traditionally academic route, they require a lot of independent study, reading, essay writing and revision. A-levels keep options open and are the usual route into university or higher (degree level) apprenticeships. It is important to make sure that the choice of A-levels is ‘fit for purpose'. Doing some research for which A-levels are needed for university courses is important as there are some degrees and university courses which require you to have very specific A levels.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job whilst also studying part time. They are often paid, so offer the opportunity to learn while earning a wage. Apprentices have the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff and gain skills unique to the workplace, as well as an increasingly well-respected qualification. They are often completed over a period of one to four years.

BTec

A BTec is a vocational qualification, which means that it has a career focus and is centred around the world of work. Students would study to gain skills and knowledge in their subject area, putting those skills into practice in real-life situations.

Higher National Diplomas

Higher National Diplomas (HND) aim to provide more options for practical learning, this means they are less classroom-based than more traditional A-levels, and have been designed to encourage more young people to continue studying. They are ideal for those who are aiming to work in a specific and specialist industry.

A National Vocational Qualification (Level 1, 2 or 3)

A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is a work-based way of learning, it is carried out at a college, school, or sometimes workplace. Each NVQ level involves a range of on-the-job tasks and activities that are designed to test you on your ability to do a job effectively and ultimately qualify you for that role.

T-Levels

T Levels are equivalent to 3 A levels, they run over 2 years with the intention to deliver content that meets the needs of the industry and prepares students for work, further training, or study. They offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience by providing an industry placement while on the course.

Traineeship

Traineeships are skills development programmes that include work placements. They can last from 6 weeks up to a 1 year, most traineeships last for less than 6 months, followed by employment at the end.