Choices at 16

Autumn Term (September to December)

This is the time to start exploring your options and planning your next steps after Year 11.

This term, you should:

• Use Help You Choose to research your options and search for courses
• Explore careers that interest you and check what qualifications, skills or experience you may need.
• Look at colleges, sixth forms and training providers websites and contact them for course guides and prospectuses.
• Talk to your Careers Leader, Careers Adviser, tutor, teachers, parents or carers about your plans and the options available to you.
• Attend open days, open evenings and information events to find out more about courses and providers.
• From 1st October apply for full-time courses using Help You Choose.
• Create an account on the Find an Apprenticeship service if you are interested in an apprenticeship.
• Contact the Armed Forces directly if you are considering a career in the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines.
• Make sure you have a plan for what you will do between the ages of 16 and 18, including any alternative or back-up options. 

Top Tip

Try to explore more than one pathway.  Even if you already know what you'd like to do, having a back-up plan can give you more choices and confidence when making decisions.

Spring Term (January to April)

By now, you should be narrowing down your choices and starting to secure you next step after Year 11.

This term, you should:

• Apply for courses through Help You Choose if you haven't already submitted your applications.
• Prepare for any interviews, auditions, assessments or taster sessions arranged by colleges, sixth forms and training providers.
• Start actively searching for apprenticeship opportunities as many employers begin recruiting during this period.
• Review your plans following mock exam results and other assessments and check that your predicted grades match the entry requirements for your chosen courses.
• Apply to training providers and employers if you are interested in an apprenticeship.
• Contact employers directly to ask about opportunities, work experience or apprenticeships in areas that interest you.
• Find out whether you may be eligible for financial support, such as the 16-19 Bursary Fund, by contacting colleges, sixth forms or training providers.

Top Tip

Keep checking your emails and application accounts regularly so you don't miss interview invitations, offers or important updates from providers.

Summer Term (May to August)

As exams approach, it's important to stay focussed on your studies while making sure your plans for after Year 11 are in place.

This term, you should:

• If you're still unsure about your next step, speak to your school's Careers Leader, Careers Adviser or tutor for support and guidance.
• Continue applying for courses, apprenticeships and training opportunities if you have not yet secured a place.
• Consider gaining experience over the summer through volunteering, work experience or a part-time job.
• Keep looking for apprenticeship vacancies and submit applications when opportunities arise.
• Contact employers directly about potential apprenticeship, training or employment opportunities in areas that interest you.
• Check that you have a confirmed plan for September, as well as a back-up option if your circumstances change.

Top Tip

Results Day doesn't have to be stressful if you've prepared ahead.  Make sure you know your options, keep important contact details handy, and remember that help and advice are available if your plans change.

Talk to people at school

Your tutor, teachers and school's careers leader or careers adviser are there to help.

They can:

• Answer questions about your post-16 options 
• Explain what different courses and qualifications involve
• Help you explore your career ideas
• Support you with applications and personal statements

Don't be afraid to ask questions.  That's what they're there for!

Visit sixth forms, colleges and training providers

One of the best ways to decide if somewhere is right for you is to see it for yourself.

Look out for:

• Open days and open evenings
• Taster sessions
• Campus tours
• Opportunities to speak to staff and current students

You'll get a feel for what it's really like and can find out more about subjects, support services and student life.

Family and friends

Your family and friends are the people who know you best and it can be really useful to talk to them about your plans.

They know what you're like and what kind of a person you are, but remember, what is right for your friends may not be right for you.

Use careers tools

Your school may give you access to careers platforms such as:

• Unifrog
• Kudos
• JED (Job Explorer Database)

These tools can help you:

• Discover careers that match your interests
• Explore different routes into work
• Learn about qualifications, salaries and future opportunities

Ask your careers leader what is available at your school.

Get ideas safely online

Social media, forums and student communities can be useful places to hear about other people's experiences.

Just remember:

• Be curious
• Ask questions
• Check information is reliable

And always stay safe online by never sharing personal information such as your address, phone number or school details.

Want to join the Armed Forces?

The Army, RAF, Navy and Marines offer a variety of bursary and scholarship schemes.  These can be very competitive and you need to show a real commitment to wanting to study as well as entering the forces.  To find out more:

• Army - call 01603 624616
• RAF - call 0345 605 5555
• Royal Navy - call 0345 607 5555
• Royal Marines - call 0345  600 1444