Growing Post 16 Options
There are many options available to young people when they reach the end of year 11 and it can be a very daunting time for them. We suggest looking at all the options as soon as you can, most settings will start having open days and events around October and November.
All children and young people in care should be given independent and impartial careers advice from year 9 on the full range of post 16 options.
Young people and their parents or carers must think about progression and where their course or training might lead to. It is worth asking schools or colleges what the next step is if the young person succeeds on the level of course or training that they have applied for.
Due to the introduction of “Raising the Participation Age” all young people in England must continue in education or training until they are 18.
It does not mean young people must stay in school; they can choose one of the following options:
- full-time education, which might include a school sixth form, college or learning provider
- work-based learning, such as an apprenticeship or traineeship
- part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week
Why have these changes taken place?
Young people deserve the best opportunities to achieve their potential; it has been proven that remaining in education or training for longer:
- helps develop the skills needed for adult life
- encourages achievement of full potential
- raises aspirations and expectations
- reduces the likelihood of unemployment
- increases income earning potential
- encourages positive attitudes towards lifelong learning
