Homepage > Learning > Choices > Choices at 16
At 16 many of you will have taken, or will be taking your GCSEs soon. After your exams your full time education can stop or continue. You’ll now have more influence over your future; not just what you’ll study but where and how.
If you want to continue studying after age 16 then you need to know what choices are open to you. What you can study may depend on your exam results.
- You should be thinking about your future career and what skills you need.
- Choose a course which you have an interest in as this will keep you motivated.
- Speak with your teachers, family or a Connexions Personal Adviser to gain information, advice and guidance.
- Attend open evenings and gather prospectuses
- Use the resources in your school's Connexions library to research the choices available to you.
- Note closing dates for course applications and apply early.
If you wish to view all learning opportunities across Essex, Southend & Thurrock then try Stepon, our 14-19 online prospectus.
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
- a 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
Choosing the right place to study
Before you decide on a place of study ask yourself the following questions:
- What are the entry requirements and are they achievable?
- Does the subject interest me?
- How is the course assessed?
- Is there a lot of coursework, exams, lectures, group work?
- What are the facilities like that the provider offers?
At 16 this is where the law says you can start working full time. It is important that you choose a job that:
- you are interested in
- offers training such as an apprenticeship or an NVQ. Apprenticeships allow you the opportunity to learn on the job by building up your skills and knowledge, whilst gaining money and qualifications at the same time
For more information view our section on apprenticeships. Jobs with training offer you more progression opportunities, allowing you to earn more money in the future.
If you are looking for a full-time job then search the local vacancies we advertise. Alternatively call into your nearest Connexions Centre/One Stop Shop. We also have details of national and countrywide programmes that are currently running.
Connexions Leaflets
Have a look at the various leaflet we produce on things like choices for students, advice on higher education, exam stress, personal safety and more.
Step on
This website offers learning opportunities in Essex, Southend and Thurrock for 14-19 year olds.
Apprenticeships
Read further information about apprenticeships, answer your questions and read success stories.
It's your choice
Here you will find everything you need for information on work and learning options for year 10 and 11 students.
Your Comments
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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Posted - 10:38, 11 Dec 2008
i think that its good to make us stay on till 18 it gives us better opptunities.