At age 16, you will have another set of choices and decisions to make.

The law says that you must continue to do some kind of education or training until you are 18. This will give you the best possible chance to gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications you need to be successful in the future.

What options do I have?

Full-time education

  • You can stay in sixth form at your current, or another school. You can go to a sixth form college, or study at a Further Education, or specialist college.
  • You can choose to work towards A Levels, or other academic or work-related qualifications. You might follow a personalised programme that will give you a little more time to get extra skills and confidence.

An Apprenticeship

  • You can work and earn money at the same time as getting training and qualifications. There are hundreds of different types of Apprenticeships. Your options will depend on your qualifications, experience, and what is available locally.
  • You will receive hands-on training in the workplace. You will also go to college or a training provider for off-the-job training.
  • For more information see: gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

A Traineeship

  • You can take a course that helps you to get ready for a job or an Apprenticeship. A Traineeship includes work experience and extra help to brush up your English and maths.
  • You won’t be paid. You may get help with your travel, or some other expenses.
  • For more information see: gov.uk/find-traineeship

Other options at 16

  • You can work full-time, be your own boss, or volunteer after year 11. You must also spend time studying for qualifications.
  • There is more information about your rights and responsibilities as a young worker in the ‘Employing people’ section of gov.uk.
  • There is more information about working for yourself (self-employment) on princes-trust.org.uk , and the ‘Businesses and self-employed’ pages at www.gov.uk.
  • There is more information about volunteering (unpaid work) in the ‘Citizenship and living in the UK’ section of gov.uk. There is also information on V. Inspired (https://vinspired.com/).