Pathways after GCSE
What are your options at the end of Year 11?
All students must stay in education until they are 18. There are three main options at the end of Year 11 to enable this to happen. Students can:
- Remain in full-time education - Sixth Form or College
- Apply for apprenticeships and traineeships
- Take on part-time training with a job, self-employment or voluntary work
Full-time Education
If you decide to remain in full-time education you can study at a Sixth Form, College, University Technical College or a Training provider.
There are many academic or job-related courses to suit ALL ability levels, such as A Levels, BTEC, T Levels and NVQS,
Research the courses available to find out what best suits you and your desired career. Make sure you attend open days to find out more about the institution and the courses they offer, see what support and guidance is available and check their entry requirements and application deadlines.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a skilled job with training. Every apprentice is guaranteed a minimum wage linked to their age. They are available at all academic levels - whether you are leaving school without GCSEs or completing your A Levels. There are apprenticeships in industries like engineering, health and accountancy - plus a host of careers you would never think of. Entry requirements for apprenticeships vary. For more information on apprenticeships see our Apprenticeship section on our website.
Traineeships
Traineeships are designed to give learners aged 16-23 who are unemployed the requisite numeracy and literacy skills, alongside work preparation and on-the-job training, to progress either to an apprenticeship or into employment. Designed to last no longer than 6 months, Traineeships offer young learners the opportunity to gain basic employability skills and knowledge whilst deciding which progression route they are most suited to.
Jobs with training
You can work or volunteer full-time after Year 11 but you must also train or study at the same time for a minimum of 280 tutor-led learning hours a year. Training may be one day a week over a year, through evening or distance learning.
Local careers support post 16+
Our local hub: Epsom and Ewell Careers Hub Support
Youth Hubs are now in existence across the country to help 16-24-year-olds who are not in employment or education get the training and support they need to find their first job.
The Youth Hub in Epsom and Ewell is now open and will be basing itself in the Ashley Centre,
Epsom as a walk-in resource for young people.