Post-16 qualifications
At 16, everyone has to make decisions about their future. Pick the best option for you with the Lifetracks guide to further study, vocational training and work-based learning.
At 16, everyone has to make decisions about their future. Pick the best option for you with the Lifetracks guide to further study, vocational training and work-based learning.
"What if I want to start work and get training on the job?"
A-levels & AS-levels
A-levels and AS-levels are academic qualifications, available to students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They are assessed by exams and coursework. To take A-levels, the usual requirement is five GCSEs at A–C. A-levels are usually taken over two years, starting with AS-levels (which are also qualifications in their own right) in the first year and moving on to A-levels, also called A2, in the second year.
Applied A-levels
Applied A-levels are available across 10 vocational subjects, including health & social care, media and tourism. The courses all have a work-related focus.
Diplomas
The Diploma is a new qualification available to 14–19 year olds in England that combines academic work with practical learning. Like GCSEs and A-levels, learning takes place in the classroom but there's a more hands-on approach, including at least 10 days' work experience. There are three different levels of diplomas, ranging from Foundation to Advanced – the equivalent of three-and-a-half A-levels. However, be aware that some universities do not accept Diplomas yet.
BTECs
BTECs are work-related qualifications that can be studied either full-or part-time at college. They offer a mixture of theory and practical work in a range of subjects. BTECs can lead to a job at the end of the course, or further study, such as HNDs (Higher National Diplomas).
Highers and Advanced Highers
In Scotland, Highers are the main academic post-16 qualification. They are studied over the course of one year. Advanced Highers are the equivalent to A-levels and are normally taken in the last year at school.
Scottish Baccalaureates
The Scottish Baccalaureate is a new qualification in two areas – languages and science. It combines the existing Highers and Advanced Highers with an interdisciplinary project.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) & Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)
NVQs and SVQs are occupational-based qualifications that give you the skills to do a particular job. They are assessed on practical knowledge and evidence of working in practice. You can complete an NVQ and SVQ at work, or part-time at college if you have access to a work placement.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships involve both training and working, so you can earn at the same time. This usually entails one or two days a week at college or with a local training provider. Most apprenticeship schemes last one or two years and lead to an NVQ or BTEC qualification. Each country in the UK has its own apprenticeship scheme. The England Apprenticeship website has an on-line vacancy search, as do the sites for the apprenticeship schemes in Wales and Scotland. The Northern Ireland site allows you to download this information.
Entry to employment (e2e)
e2e is a programme for 16–18 year olds living in England, designed to improve skills in the workplace with the aim of preparing participants for apprenticeships, jobs or further training. There are three core areas – basic skills, vocational training and personal development. The courses can take any amount of time because they are supposed to be tailored around the needs of the individual. Get Ready For Work is the equivalent scheme in Scotland, and in Wales it's called Skill Build.
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is an internationally-recognised qualification, available at over 170 schools and colleges across the UK. Students take a wide range of subjects and are awarded a single certificate on completion. The Baccalaureate is a two-year academic qualification and assessment is carried out by exams.
Army Bursary FE Scheme (FE Award Scheme in Scotland)
The Army offers a bursary scheme for people to attend college to prepare for an Army career. It is primarily for Level 2 courses, but Levels 1 and 3 are sometimes covered, too. Those who complete their college course and initial Army training receive £2000.
By Rosie Spowart