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Your child has a variety of choices at 16 which include going to college to study A level or vocational qualifications. Some colleges specialise in one area (A Levels only), other colleges offer more than one option. You can support your child to research what opportunities are available in Tees Valley and the wider area.
When they are starting to look at post-16 options, they should consider all of the options alongside their long-term career aspirations to help them decide which is the best route for them.
Sixth form colleges provide high-quality academic education for 16 to 18-year-olds, enabling them to progress to university or higher level vocational education.
Vocational colleges offer courses to students as an alternative route to A levels, focusing on a specific profession such as engineering, IT & digital, catering or sport.
Click on the boxes below for more information.
A set of examinations normally taken at the end of your compulsory education (age 15-16). Grades range from 9-1, the qualifications are an important stepping stone in your career progression.
A-levels are academic qualifications and allow students to find out more about their favourite subjects or experience new subjects only available from A-level such as: Law and Economics.
T-levels are a new qualification which follow on from GCSE’s and are the equivalent to three A-levels. Each course is delivered over a 2 year period, and will consist of both classroom based learning as well as an industrial placement lasting approximately 45 days. They are currently being delivered in Tees Valley at Middlesbrough College and Hartlepool 6th Form College.
Find out more about T-Levels here.
Vocational qualifications are available in a wide range of subjects. This pathway is better suited to those students who want to follow a route into a specific sector or industry or are unsure which pathway they wish to follow and want to try something they have an interest in. These courses consist of both theory and practical elements.
A young person will work with an employer and earn a salary (normally minimum apprenticeship wage, although some companies can pay above). They will receive valuable ‘on the job’ training and gain experience.
Traineeships are aimed at young people who are looking to find a job but lack experience or qualifications and may have been unsuccessful when applying for apprenticeships. Employers are not required to pay young people taking part in these programmes but bursaries may be available.
To help young people aged 16-19 gain employability skills and qualifications to progress into further education, apprenticeship or employment. This may also include support with English and Maths for those young people who have not achieved GCSE Grades 4-9 and possible work experience.
Usually takes place at either a University or Further Education College. A young person can study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
Higher level apprenticeships are available from Level 4 to 7 and combine work and study together. Study usually takes place part time with a college, university or training provider. Higher level apprenticeships can take between one to five years to complete.
When a young person is employed into a paid job and when a contract has been signed between them and the employer. Please be aware of the minimum wage for each age group https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Look through the college websites to see what courses they offer, what levels are available, when you can attend open days/evenings, how they engage with parents/carers, and speak to school staff and careers advisors.
