Building Your Future: Choices After Year 11
After finishing Year 11, young people have several options. This requirement does not mean they have to stay in school; they can choose among various pathways to continue their education or training, including:
If you decide to stay in full-time education, you could study subjects, a more practical and knowledge-based course or more technical or vocational studies
Some careers may require specific qualifications, so it is best to research the option you are interested in and where it can lead.
Below are some links which provide further information on each of the options for staying in full-time education:
A levels (at sixth form college, Further education college or a UTC) VTQs (E.g. BTEC and Cambridge technical) T Levels (Further Education college) Exam retakes (as needed
Apprenticeships are real jobs which combine work with training and study. You can apply for an apprenticeship whilst you are still at school. You will earn a wage, gain a qualification and experience, and can put what you learn into practice. In some cases, you may be offered a job at the end of your apprenticeship.
You can find out more about apprenticeships on the Skills for Careers website
Although you must remain in either education or training until you turn 18, this does not mean that you cannot earn a wage or gain work experience at the same time. There are several options, such as apprenticeships as outlined above, volunteering or working part-time for 20 or more hours per week.
Volunteering after leaving school may not be paid work but can help you to gain valuable skills and experience which will look great on your CV or university application and help you decide if that industry or role is right for you.
There are also some opportunities to earn a qualification whilst volunteering.
Working part-time alongside study or training can help you to earn money, whilst continuing to work towards your qualifications.
As well as a wage, you’ll gain real-life experience of the workplace and can get a feel for whether this type of work would suit you in the future.