Options for Young People 

Decisions, whether they are about GCSEs and A levels, apprenticeships or university courses, must be made on the basis of thorough and effective research and where necessary seeking independent and impartial advice and guidance. 
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Options at 16+

The options they choose at 16 will undoubtedly influence their future direction in learning and work. 

College Course, Apprenticeship or 6th Form? 

These are the three big options, but how do you choose? This will not be a quick decision but the result of long careful thought and discussions at home and at school with teachers and tutors. Students are on a journey and these decisions about options at 16+ are an important moment on that journey and must be thought about carefully before any conclusions are reached. 
Following are some of the thoughts to consider when exploring the different pathways:
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  • 6th Form

    • Familiar surroundings 


    • Students already know the teachers and teachers know the students 


    • There is a lot of knowledge about student potential 


    • The curriculum will be broadly familiar but with some additional subjects 


    • Students are familiar with the teaching style and assessment methods 


    • Progression to higher education and work is supported. 

  • College

    • A new start 


    • Often much larger institutions 


    • Much wider range of subjects, often more career related subjects 


    • Courses with different level of entry and different admissions criteria 


    • Different teaching and assessment methods are use 


    • Can provide industry standard facilities and equipment 


    • There is a strong concentration on developing employability skills 


    • Progression to higher education and work is supported 


  • Apprenticeships

    • Students are employed 


    • Earning money and learning at the same time 


    • Training leading to nationally recognised qualifications, inspected by Ofsted 


    • A combination of day release to college and/or assessment at work 


    • Potential to have a degree course paid for by your employer at level 4-7 


    • Potential to be promoted and earn more within the company 


    • Excellent credentials for a CV to support progression to another employer 

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Options at 18+

Higher Education, Gap Year, Apprenticeship, Employment? 

Choices will be made following long, careful thought and conversations at home and at school with teachers and tutors. 

Students continue on a journey and these decisions about options at 18+ are another moment on that journey to be explored in detail before coming to any conclusion. 

Following are some of the thoughts to consider when exploring the different pathways:
  • Higher Education

    • Open to applicants with level 3 qualifications, i.e. A levels or BTEC National etc 


    • Provide courses at foundation degree Higher National Diploma and degree level, Masters level and beyond 


    • Takes place in universities and some colleges 


    • Independent living or living at home 


    • Can be full time or part time or taken by correspondence course 


    • Often take 3-4 years, can be more.


    • Subject range is enormous. Visit www.ucas.co.uk to explore 


    • Subjects can be traditional academic or vocational in nature 


    • Significant cost and investment will likely be incurred 

  • Employment

    • Young adults are employed 


    • There are management traineeships to choose from 


    • Earning money and learning at the same time 


    • Real training leading to nationally recognised qualifications, inspected by Ofsted 


    • A combination of day release to college and/or assessment at work 


    • Potential to have a degree course paid for by your employer at level 4 


    • Potential to be promoted and earn more within the company 


    • Excellent credentials for a CV to support progression to another employer 

  • Gap Year

    • Doing something that will enhance skills, motivation and experience 


    • Increases self-confidence, independence 


    • A break from study and a time to rethink overall careers plans 


    • A time to earn some money 


    • Strengthen CV 


    • Experience interesting people and lifestyles 


    • Retake and improve exam grades 


    • A chance to do something totally different 


    • An opportunity to really enhance career prospects 

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Want to discuss your options?

To arrange an appointment, learn more about our services or discuss your questions please contact us today. We look forward to working with you!
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