Post 16 Options: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
5th March 2026
What are my options when I leave school?
Your options can be broken down into three main routes.
- Technical Learning
Currently includes T Levels, BTECs, Cambridge Nationals, NVQs and many more. They are mainly taught in Colleges of Further Education, but are also available in some sixth forms and training providers.
By 2028, technical learning will have changed and the options will be:
- T Levels
- V Levels
- Level 2 ‘Further Study’ Pathway
- Level 2 ‘Occupational’ Pathway
Technical Learning is directly related to work sectors and specific jobs.
Read more about technical learning here.
Read more about T Levels here.
- Academic Learning
A-Levels are like GCSEs but taught at a higher level. They open up doors to academic degree level study at University. However, A-levels can also lead to technical learning options including more practical degrees (e.g., healthcare and engineering) and apprenticeships. A-levels are taught in school sixth forms, sixth form colleges and colleges of further education with sixth form centres.
Read more about A-levels here.
- Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are real jobs with training. You have to apply for them and usually you will compete against other applicants.
Read more about apprenticeships here.
What are the differences between a Sixth Form, a College of Further Education and a Training Provider?
Sixth Forms are like school. You will see a lot of classrooms, science laboratories, computer rooms and workshops (where art and design subjects are taught).
Most students study A-levels, although they might also study technical Level 3 courses (e.g., I.T., Business, Health & Social Care) alongside A-levels. In the future students will be able to study A-levels and V Levels together, in sixth forms.
Some sixth forms will offer a small selection of T Levels (remember you only get to pick one subject if you want to take a T Level).
Colleges of Further Education offer a large number of technical courses focused on specific jobs and wider industry. Technical learning is their strength and courses are offered at all levels, meaning that there is a course for most people.
Many colleges also offer A-levels, although they tend to be taught in the college’s own dedicated Sixth Form Centre.
Colleges can feel a little less formal, especially when compared to school-based sixth forms. There is usually no dress code, however you may have to wear a specific work uniform related to the course you are studying.
Training Providers, like colleges, offer technical learning options including full-time courses (work study programmes) and apprenticeships.
A training provider usually offers a smaller selection of courses compared to colleges and therefore they have fewer students studying there. This can work well for young people who want a small, caring place to learn.
Some training providers don’t offer full-time work study programmes. Instead they only offer apprenticeships and/or professional qualifications for people already in work.
How do I decide on what route is best for me?
This depends on who you are and what you want to do.
If you like to studying academic subjects in-depth and you do well in exams, then A-levels might be a perfect fit.
If you have an idea about the kind of work you want to do, prefer to do coursework and want to get some practical work experience, then a technical course might be right for you.
If you would like to get into a full-time job straight after school then you will likely apply for apprenticeships. However, it is sensible to also apply for a full-time option (A-levels or technical courses) as a back up because apprenticeships are competitive.
To do an A-Level do I have to have a GCSE in that subject?
In many cases, no. Lots of A-levels will not have even been offered to you at GCSE.
For example, popular A-levels like Law, Psychology and Sociology are rarely offered at GCSE level.
On the other hand, there are other A-levels for which you must have studied at GCSE and done well in e.g. English, Math and Science and Modern Foreign Languages.
If I do a technical course, can I still go to University?
Yes. Many Level 3 technical courses are respected by lots of universities and offer a pathway to a full-time degree course in the same way that A-levels do. In fact, many Universities love technical students because they have had more work experience and can show off their strengths better. Nursing, for example, is a career-related degree which looks for evidence of practical skills.
Bear in mind though that there are some degrees, often at the more traditional Universities, for which A-level study is better preparation. For example, a degree in one of the core subjects you have studied at school (e.g. English Literature or Maths) is very likely to need the same subject at A-Level.
If I do an Apprenticeship, can I still go to University?
Yes of course you can!
For some practical degrees at University, an Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) is accepted if it is relevant to the course you are applying for.
You could also go to University part-time through a Degree Apprenticeship. Again it is likely that your Advanced Apprenticeship will have been in a similar area of work as the Degree Apprenticeship you are applying for.
Even if you did an apprenticeship in one area of work and you wanted to study something completely different you can still get to University. Many adults do this by taking an Access to Higher Education course.
How do I apply for a course or courses at a College of Further Education or a Sixth Form?
The quickest and easiest way to do this is go on the relevant College/Sixth Form website and complete the online application form.
If there is not an online option, you will be able to download the application form and return it by post or email.
All Colleges and Sixth Forms have Open Events, sometimes monthly throughout the year. Open Events are an opportunity to find out more and apply if you like what you see.
Who can help me if I still need some support with all of this?
All schools now have a member of staff with the role of the Careers Leader.
The Careers Leader will be able to refer you to the specialist Career Adviser for independent and impartial career guidance if needed.
The Career Adviser offers students a Personal Guidance meeting.
CareerWave provides independent, impartial and professional Personal Guidance to schools, sixth forms, colleges and training providers
Come and see us if your education provider works with CareerWave.
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