Post 16 applications glossary

A guide to Post 16 application wording and jargon!

16-19 bursary

Post 16 provisions provide a discretionary fund to support students from lower-income families with educational expenses. As Pupil Premium funding ends after Year 11, families who anticipate needing financial assistance should contact the post-16 provider their child enrols with directly about the application process and eligibility criteria.

A Levels

Academic qualifications (normally three but sometimes four subjects) usually studied over two years.

Applicaa

This is an online admissions platform for schools and colleges, managing prospective students from initial application through to enrolment.

Application deadline

The final date by which all applications must be submitted to be considered for entry. Each provision will have their own deadline. 

Apprenticeships

Work-based training programmes, combining practical on-the-job experience with classroom-based learning, allowing apprentices to earn a wage while gaining qualifications and skills relevant to a specific career or industry. Degree Apprenticeships are available after taking Level 3 qualifications.

Conditional offers

A type of offer made by an education provider that depends on the applicant meeting specific requirements before a place can be offered eg.  A 6 in Maths and 6 in a Science GCSE.

Course guide

A document provided by the provider that details the curriculum, entry requirements, and other essential information about the provision.

Entry requirements

Minimum academic standards that students must meet, often in the form of specific GCSE grades, to be eligible for a place in the sixth form or a particular course. (See Retakes)

FE College (Further Education College)

Institutions offering a wide range of academic and vocational courses post-16.  Depending on the subject FE Colleges can other a more flexible attendance pattern. 

GCSE Grading

The current GCSE grading system uses a numerical scale from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest), replacing the previous A*-G letter system. A grade 4 is a standard pass, a grade 5 is a strong pass. 

Higher Education (HE)

Refers to Higher Education and degree level study, typically university.

International Baccalaureate (Career Related Programme) (IBCP)

Qualification for students pursuing careers while developing academic skills.

International Baccalaureate (Diploma Programme)

Commonly referred to as the ‘IB’, this is an academic qualification focused on university preparation, requiring students to study six subjects

KentChoices 

A comprehensive online platform for families in Kent to explore post-16 education and career options, including sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships, and training providers. It serves as an online application system for many providers, lists upcoming open days and events, and offers resources and support for students.  Run by The Education People on behalf of KCC.

Level 3 Qualifications

The generic term for qualifications typically taken after GCSEs (Level 2). 

Open events

Events hosted by the schools or colleges to provide potential students and their parents with detailed information about the courses, facilities, and application process.

Oversubscription criteria

Published Admissions criteria which is used to decide which students are offered a place when more applications are received than there are places available.

Personal statement

A short essay where students can express their motivations for choosing specific subjects and future aspirations, this will be required for the vast majority of post 16 applications.

Pre-Public Examination (PPEs)

Exams that prepare students for their final exams, previously referred to as Mock Exams.

Retakes (English and Maths)

Many post-16 education providers require students to have achieved a minimum of a grade 4 in GCSE English Language and Maths as part of their entry criteria. If a student does not meet this requirement, they will be expected to continue studying and retake these subjects until a grade 4 is achieved. If your child’s English or Maths grades are a concern, it is advisable to have a contingency plan in place to ensure they can remain in education and access the necessary support to retake one or both subjects until they have completed post 16 education. 

Sixth form

The final two years of secondary education (Years 12 and 13), where students can study A Levels, IB, IBCP, BTECs, AAQs or T Levels depending on the sixth form offering. Sixth forms are typically a full time provision with full time attendance required.  

Subject-specific requirements

Specific grades in certain GCSE subjects that are required to study a particular A-Level course.  These are in addition to a minimum entry requirement. 

T Levels

Technical qualifications combining classroom learning with industry placements.

UCAS points

A system used to measure qualifications for university entry. Different types of qualifications contribute different points, not just A Levels - vocational courses, IB, IBCP and T Levels also have UCAS Point equivalents.

Vocational courses (e.g., BTECs or AAQs)

These courses provide applied, practical learning in a specific job area, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills and work experience, and are assessed through coursework and practical tasks rather than a majority of exams.