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Homepage > Learning > Choices > Choices at 16

IMPORTANT: 14-19 option choices are under review by the Government and therefore the information in this article may be subject to change. 

What choices do I have?

During year 11 at school you will need to make some key decisions about your future as you are reaching the end of compulsory education. You’ll now have more influence over your future; not just what you’ll study, but where and how. The September Guarantee means that if you’re aged 16 or 17 and coming towards the end of school, you are guaranteed an offer of a place on an appropriate course that meets your needs. You may decide not to continue in full-time education, but to look for a job with training.

What are your choices?

  • Stay in full-time education.
  • Start work/training, as an apprentice or in a job where you receive training. 

I want to continue in full-time education

If you want to continue studying after year 11 then you need to know what choices are open to you. What you can study may depend on your level of ability, where the course you want to study is offered and, if needed, the availability of transport.

  • You should be thinking about your future career, what you’re good at and what skills you need.
  • Choose a course which you have an interest in as this will keep you motivated.
  • Speak with your teachers and family to gain further information and advice.
  • Attend open evenings and gather prospectuses.
  • Use the resources in your school's Connexions library to research the choices available to you.
  • What are the entry requirements for the course you are interested in and are they achievable?
  • How is the course assessed? Is there a lot of coursework, exams, lectures or groupwork?
  • What are the facilities like that the provider offers?
  • Note closing dates for course applications and apply early.

What are my learning routes?

You can choose to take:

For learning opportunities across Essex, visit Stepon Essex’s 14-19 online prospectus.

Where can I study?

You can choose to continue your education at a:

  • school sixth-form - this will allow you to study in a familiar environment with teachers and tutors that you know
  • sixth-form college – here you can study a wider range of topics than many school sixth forms can offer
  • Further Education (FE) college – an FE college usually offers specialist courses, many with links to industry
  • vocational centre.

I want to start working

At 16 this is where the law says you can start working full-time. It is important that you choose a job that:

Jobs with training offer you more progression opportunities, allowing you to earn more money in the future.Visit the National Apprenticeship Service  to search and apply for Apprenticeships.

It's Your choice...

Useful Websites

Step On
Provides local learning opportunities for 14-19 year olds.

The Diploma
Find out more about the Diploma.

Apprenticeships
The National Apprenticeship Service.

Bright Links – Knowledge Bank, Year 12-13
Provides information on AS and A levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma, BTECs and NVQs.

Unistats
If you are thinking of doing a HE course later on, check out the entry requirements of the courses that interest you.

Last updated: 20/06/11

Your Comments

Posted - 10:38, 11 Dec 2008

i think that its good to make us stay on till 18 it gives us better opptunities.


Posted - 01:54, 21 Sep 2009

Hi, i was just wondering if anyone knows were to get free GCSE Correspondence Courses Im 16 THanks


Posted - 03:50, 23 Sep 2009

GCSE courses at an Adult Community College will usually involve you attending one day a week and is free to anyone that does not have a level 2 qualification (usually in maths and English) however other courses may be available. Most distance learning courses incur a fee - some companies may offer a free taster or a package deal. If you need any further information, advice or support please contact your local Connexions Centre. In centre a Personal Adviser can give advice on the choices available to you and how you can access relevant courses and training. Connexions PA.


Posted - 04:53, 23 Sep 2009

Hi, AGAIN, i cant realy attend any courses due to im working full time 8 hours a day 5 days a week, i was just wondering if you could tell me some website for distance learning that are FREE or About £100 a GCSE course, im sorry for any inconvienince <--(cant spell that) , this is why i need english and maths GCSE thanks


Posted - 11:53, 25 Sep 2009

Hi thanks for getting back in touch. Courses vary in price however you can access evening courses in maths and English for free. We have listed some websites that you may wish to look at and hopefully these will provide you with the information you require. www.icslearn.co.uk/gcse-A-level www.learn4good.com www.uk-open-learning.com www.distance-learning-centre.co.uk It is best to contact the course provider to find out if they offer courses within your budget. Don’t forget for further information, advice and support drop in to your local Connexions Centre/One Stop Shop. Good luck Connexions PA.


Posted - 12:33, 08 Jun 2010

I was just wondering where i could find a job vacancie in painting and decorating, post 16, thanks.


Posted - 05:01, 08 Jun 2010

Hi thanks for your comment. If you have officially left school or you are approaching the end of compulsory education and want to apply for vacancies early, then it is a good idea to monitor our online vacancies. You can do this by selecting ‘Job Search’ from the left hand navigation. It’s also a good idea to visit your local Connexions Centre (select ‘Connexions Centre’ from the left hand menu) as they will be able to advise you of local organisations you could approach. They could help you put together a speculative covering letter and CV which you could send out to a range of organisations in your chosen field of work. Alternatively they may be able to direct you to an apprenticeship opportunity - allowing you to learn a trade and get paid at the same time. Best of luck Connexions


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