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Post-16 Education

Post-16 education is used to describe Level 3 education, which can be taken by anyone over the age of 16, once they have completed their Level 2 qualifications. Post-16 education usually takes place in schools, sixth form colleges or further education colleges.

To apply for a sixth-form college or apprenticeship, you should contact them directly through their website and follow their application process. If you have completed qualifications overseas and need to prove their UK equivalence, you can contact UK ENIC.

If a student has not achieved 5 GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) that are grade 5 or above, they have multiple options to achieve their Level 2 qualification.

  • GCSEs can be taken again or by students who are older than 16 at many colleges.
  • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) are courses that allow learners to gain more English skills to use in education and employment. They are generally free. This will make accessing courses much easier.
  • Level 1/2 Diploma, Certificate or NVQ courses can be taken at many sixth forms and colleges to provide people with a Level 2 qualification.
  • Intermediate Apprenticeships can be taken to achieve a Level 2 qualification while working, and allow the learner to go on to take qualifications up to Level 7 apprenticeships.

Students between the age of 16-18 must continue to study, but anyone can gain their Level 3 qualification, and can choose any of these options to do so.

Option 1 - A-Levels

The academic option to take at age 16 is A-Levels (The General Certificate of Education Advanced Level). They are qualifications taken in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Often students will take either 3 or 4 A-Levels at a Sixth Form or college in academic subjects of their choosing.

Option 2 - Vocational Courses

There are a few different vocational options at this level. They allow for students to achieve qualifications in work-related subjects, and the opportunity to gain practical skills.

BTECs

Work-related qualifications. Combine classwork with practical work.

BTECs can be taken alongside A-Levels if the student wishes to.

    • A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma is equivalent to 1 A-Level
    • A BTEC Diploma is equivalent to 2 A-Levels
    • A BTEC Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A-Levels

 

T Levels

Work related qualifications. Combine classwork with practical work. Involved a 45 day industry placement.
1 T Level equivalent to 3 A Levels

Option 3 - Advanced Apprenticeships

Advanced Apprenticeships

Learning in work. Qualification can be gained while working as an apprentice.

This government website explains which Level 3 courses are free for any student over 19.