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In England, The Department For Education’s policy is that young people must remain in education, employment with training, or further education until they turn 18. Within these rules, there are several different routes young people can take after GCSEs.
The academic, subject-based options are primarily A Level and BTEC studies, but your child’s post-16 experience doesn’t have to be traditional schooling if that’s not what’s right for them.
Leaving school is likely your child’s most significant milestone to date, so it helps parents and guardians to be well-informed in order to offer the best guidance to their child. But you don’t have to do this alone, youth employment organisations are available to empower school leavers in their next crucial steps, no matter their background. Here’s an overview of post-secondary school options.
A Levels are a popular two-year route for children who suit the conventional school environment. They mimic GCSEs in that they are subject-based qualifications assessed via coursework and examinations at the end of the school year.
A Levels guarantee smooth cohesion from secondary school, with many schools having their own in-house sixth forms. This means there will be the same teachers, classrooms, and peer groups that your child is familiar with.
Most sixth forms and colleges that host A Level courses require 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (roughly equivalent to the former A* to C grades) as minimum entry requirements. If your child excelled in a particular handful of subjects, A Levels may be right for them. Typically, pupils are encouraged to take 3 or 4 A Level subjects out of around 40 available STEM and Humanities subjects. Highly sought after by universities, if your child has aspirations set on higher education, A Levels might be their fast track there.
BTEC Nationals offer quality qualifications equal to that of A Levels, but instead they focus on just one subject across the two-year course. They are offered by colleges and some secondary schools and are delivered by the Business and Technology Education Council. BTEC qualifications might better suit your child if they have a particular industry in mind that they want to aspire towards. With far more subjects available than A Levels, BTECs are available across a wide range of sectors, helping young people develop skills relevant to specific industries.
BTECs can offer greater flexibility in some ways than A Levels as they provide a solid foundation for transitioning into the workplace at 18 and are also accepted as a precursor for university. But just like A Levels, entry requirements are usually set around five GCSEs grades 9 to 4.
Introduced in 2020, T Levels are a technical qualification designed to help young people develop industry-specific skills while studying. They were created in partnership with employers and combine classroom learning with valuable workplace experience.
T Levels suit young people who benefit from both classroom and workplace learning, with approximately 80% of learning taking place in the classroom and 20% through an industry placement. They are designed to provide a clear route into skilled employment, apprenticeships or further study. [gov.uk]
T Levels are now available across a growing range of sectors, including digital, education and early years, health, science, engineering, construction, finance and more. They are particularly suited to young people who already have an idea of the broad industry they would like to work in. [gov.uk]
This form of learning can lead to rewarding careers while providing practical experience and industry knowledge alongside academic study.
Apprenticeships have existed since organised labour began. Commonly associated with select trade workers, such as electricians, mechanics, and plumbers, apprenticeships today span just about every industry. They can be training courses for traditional professional services work too, from accounting, IT, law, and management. Some apprenticeships are lengthy, advanced programmes that, upon completion, are the same qualification standard as a university degree. These ‘degree apprenticeships’ have the status of higher education without the worry of student loans. They’re great for young people who enjoy a hands-on experience over intense bursts of exams and coursework. Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels, from intermediate programmes through to degree apprenticeships, allowing young people to earn while they learn and gain recognised qualifications.
In line with government policy, children under 18 must be in at least part-time education or training but balancing this with part-time work your child is interested in is certainly an option.
Those who take this route typically complete a Vocational Technical Qualification alongside employment. This is a general accreditation that maintains the exercise of basic academic skills while allowing time for the pupil to excel in the workplace. This regulated qualification supports a future career in any sector and usually requires one day of learning a week. Classroom time can be taken flexibly around working hours, as distance learning, or in blocks, perfect for young people who are ready for a quick transition into the workplace.
If you're unsure about your next step after GCSEs, remember that you don't have to make the decision alone.
Schools, colleges, training providers and careers advisers can all help you explore your options and find the path that's right for you. Whether you're interested in A Levels, apprenticeships, T Levels or moving into employment with training, there is plenty of support available.
If you need additional help identifying your strengths, exploring career options or preparing for the world of work, government-funded employment and careers support services may be available in your area. Speaking to your school's careers adviser is often a great place to start.
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