Education and training after 16

Introduction

These are the learning options for young people aged 16 to 18 in Bristol (called 'post-16'). They include sixth forms, colleges, training providers and apprenticeships. Qualifications offered include GCSEs, A levels and diplomas. Foundation learning gets you ready for GCSEs and BTECs or apprenticeships and work.

How long must I stay in learning?

Most young people choose to stay on in learning to get the skills and qualifications that they will need to go on to higher education or employment.

From 2013, you must be in approved learning until the end of the academic year of your 17th birthday

From 2015 this goes up to your 18th birthday.

Costs

All courses are free if you begin the course before your 18th birthday.
If you have a learning difficulty assessment, courses are free until your 25th birthday.

Sixth forms

School and academy sixth forms tend to specialise on academic programmes such as A-Levels or GCSEs. Many also offer vocational options such as BTECs and NVQs.

you

Colleges

Further education colleges and sixth form colleges tend to be much larger than other types of provider and offer a wide range of both academic and vocational options for study at all levels.

Foundation learning

Foundation learning refers to all learning below level 2 (GCSE equivalent). It gives you the knowledge and skills to start GCSEs and BTECs or go in to apprenticeships and work.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship combines learning and employment. You earn a wage while learning skills on the job. You usually also do training on day-release leading to qualifications such as NVQs, Technical Certificates and Functional Skills.

Apprenticeships are available at intermediate level (GCSE equivalent), advanced level (A-Level equivalent) and higher level (Foundation Degree equivalent) and cover a wide range of jobs.

Find out more on the national apprenticeships website.

Helpful web links

• CareerPilot
• ConnexionsWest
• Further Education (FE) Choices
• Which? University