Are you a student in Kent and Medway looking for advice on your next steps post-16? If so, have a look through the various options below.
There are lots of different opportunities open to you after completing your GCSEs in Year 11, which can make it difficult to know which route to take.
But don’t worry – there’s lots of help, advice, and support available. Read on to learn more…
Reaching the end of school is an exciting time, and there are several career choices to make – including whether you want to stay on at school, move to a new sixth form or college, or start working and complete qualifications at the same time.
Everyone will have different goals, motivations and challenges, so here we give a breakdown of the different options available:
Advanced level qualifications (known as A Levels) are academic subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A Levels over two years. They’re usually assessed by a series of examinations. A Levels are the most common route to university.
Find out more about A Levels here.
T Levels are two-year courses which have been designed with employers and include a minimum 45-day work placement. They are equivalent to three A levels and attract UCAS points in the same way, supporting progression into a skilled occupation; higher or degree level apprenticeships; or higher-level technical study, including university.
See what T Levels are being offered at EKC Group and Mid Kent College.
Vocational qualifications can be a good choice if you know what job area or occupation you want to go into. They are usually very practical and involve learning in real situations. They are available at all levels and are designed to help you acquire the knowledge needed to progress to a higher level – such as a degree level courses or apprenticeships. Many young people who move into university have BTEC or vocational qualifications.
Learn more about vocational qualifications here.
Apprenticeships give you valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to earn a paid salary whilst training on the job and studying at a local college. Apprenticeships are available in many different job sectors and at many different levels.
You can find out more about Apprenticeships and search for apprentice vacancies here.
The University Entrance Diploma is a full-time course designed for students who enjoy learning but want an alternative to traditional A levels or BTEC courses. Delivered at the University of Kent’s Medway campus, this innovative course offers the opportunity to explore a range of academic subjects and gain the equivalent of three A levels, but with less of a focus on exams. The culture of the course is supportive and encouraging and teachers work with students to develop their wider academic skills alongside their subject knowledge.
Search and apply for courses at Kent schools and colleges
Apply Online at Kent ChoicesYou have a range of options when you reach the age of 18, including the following:
University is about much more than the end qualification; it allows you to explore the subject you love in an exciting environment while learning from experts. Going to university can enable you to develop confidence and independence, make lifelong friends, find new hobbies and interests, and benefit from amazing opportunities like paid internships or the chance to study abroad, which can open doors to a skilled and rewarding career.
If you’re interested in going to university, it’s worth looking at the UCAS website for more information and advice, and check out our Applying to Higher Education (HE) section.
Many further education colleges offer vocational Higher Education (HE) courses such as HNCs, HNDs and Foundation degrees which are often linked with universities. This option might really suit you if you want to stay closer to home for financial reasons or because you have family or personal commitments – and can be a great pathway to a full Honours degree in the future.
Contact your local further education college to find out more about their range of Higher Education courses on offer.
An apprenticeship is a real job with training, which allows you to earn a paid salary while working and studying at a college, university or with a training provider (the employer covers the cost of tuition fees). Apprenticeships are offered at different levels (see qualifications chart) depending on the subject – and in some cases can lead to degree-level qualifications. An apprenticeship can be a good option if you want to train for a specific job sector and be earning at the same time.
You can find out more about Apprenticeships and search for apprentice vacancies here.
Higher apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain Level 4 qualifications or above, and get a real head start in your chosen profession. Some even offer the opportunity to progress to Level 7 (which is postgraduate degree level). A higher apprenticeship can take from one to five years to complete, and involve part-time study at a college, university, or training provider. Employers may choose to advertise vacancies on the Find an apprenticeship website.
You may want to get straight into work. You’ll need an up-to-date CV and covering letter to send to employers when applying for jobs. Get advice on finding a job on the National Careers Service website.
The University Entrance Diploma is a full-time course designed for students who enjoy learning but want an alternative to traditional A levels or BTEC courses. Delivered at the University of Kent’s Medway campus, this innovative course offers the opportunity to explore a range of academic subjects and gain the equivalent of three A levels, but with less of a focus on exams. The culture of the course is supportive and encouraging and teachers work with students to develop their wider academic skills alongside their subject knowledge.
The National Careers Service website is a great place to get more information and find a pathway that best suits your strengths and interests.
Go to National Careers Service