Your options after Year 11
Once you have finished Year 11, you are required to stay in some form of education or training until you are 18.
The good news is there are lots of options available to help you learn, gain experience and work towards your future goals. See below.
A large number of schools and colleges across Kent and Medway offer a sixth form. You may choose to stay at your current school as it enables you to continue your studies in a familiar environment with people that you know.
You also have the option to apply to a new school if you feel that they offer more suitable subjects for your chosen pathway, or you are looking for a change of learning environment.
Sixth forms provides classroom based structured learning, offering multiple subject - typically you will chose two or three. Generally the entry requirements for sixth form are grades 4/5 in Maths and English, in addition to subject specific entry grades for your option choice.
If you are unsure of what you may like to pursue as a career in the future, it is important to consider choosing subjects that will allow you to keep your options open.
Colleges offer a range of subjects, with are often more vocational focused, you will usually be required to pick one course. These subjects are at a range of levels, and entry requirements will vary. You will have to continue working towards your Maths and English GCSEs if you don’t achieve a grade 4 in year 11.
Colleges offer a change of learning environment, with occasionally large campus’ as you will find students of all different ages - adults as well as young people.
As colleges support all ages, they will expect you to be able to manage your own work and time effectively.
If you have a career in mind and want to start earning money as you learn, an apprenticeship could be the right choice for you. It provides the opportunity of a real job with a real employer, as well working towards an industry-standard qualification at the same time. An apprenticeship is an option for you after Year 11, but it is something you can access at any point in your career.
Click on the buttons below to find out more about becoming an apprentice and browse current vacancies.
Some people prefer to learn in smaller settings with less people, or they are looking for a course which will help them get ready to go into employment or further education.
There are a number of training providers across Kent and Medway which offer these types of courses that start in September and are available to Year 11 leavers. If you are interested in this type of course, ask your school for more information.
If you have already left Year 11 and are not in education, employment or training some of these providers may offer start dates throughout the year and may be able to help you.
If you are 16 to 18 years old in Kent (and not in education, employment or training) and interested in this type of course, you can contact our NEET Support Team below for advice:
- Call 03301 651 230
- Email NEETSupportTeam@theeducationpeople.org
If you live in Medway, you can contact the IAG Team:
- Call 01634 335 599
- Email iag@medway.gov.uk
Work experience and volunteering are great ways to gain transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, organisation and independent working. The skills you develop will support you in any future role you take on, as well is in your education and hobbies.
Placements can help you explore different industries and develop your understanding of the world of work, this could help you decided on a career path.
If you have a business idea that you would like to pursue, there are a number of organisations who can help you, you can find some of them below. Setting up a business can be really hard work and take a lot of time, however it could provide you with the benefits of setting your own hours, and working when and where you want.
You can find some of them below:
* Remember that until you turn 18, you still need to be in some form of learning or training while developing your business and studying Maths and English if you did not achieve a grade 4 or above.
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