Whether you are in Year 11 and making plans for your next steps; in Year 10 and starting to think about life after Year 11, or the parent/carer of a student who just wants to understand how these things work, the landscape of post-16 options can look big and confusing! The information found here should help to explain the pathways available to students when they finish Year 11.
First, let’s look at something which should help you to understand where you’re currently at and where you’re heading.
If you achieve a pass (grade 4 or above) in a GCSE, you have a Level 2 qualification in that subject. With 5 or more passes at Level 2, you can move onto a Level 3 qualification (via an apprenticeship or college course). With less than 5 passes at GCSE, you will move onto a Level 2 qualification (via an apprenticeship or college course).
In 2014, the UK Government announced that, from the age of 16, students must do one of the following until they are 18:
stay in full-time education, for example at a college
start an apprenticeship
spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training
This means that there are broadly four different ‘directions’ that students can go in after Year 11:
What are A Levels?
A Levels are level 3, academic qualifications.
They are a significant step up from GCSE’s, in terms of academic challenge.
Students study A Levels when they are hoping to move onto university, or a degree level apprenticeship.
Roughly a third of our Year 11 cohort remain at Allerton Grange to complete A Levels at our Sixth Form, while some students go on to study A Levels at other Sixth Form Colleges.
Why Study A Levels?
A Levels are academic.
They are generally classroom based, in the same way as GCSE’s.
A lot of universities/degree courses will ask for A Levels (although many will also accept Level 3 Extended Diplomas and T Levels).
They offer you the chance to dive deeper into a specific subject.
If you don’t have a very specific course or career in mind, A Levels allow you to keep studying three different subjects (whereas all other Level 3 courses require you to specialise in one area).
If you love learning and enjoy specific subjects, you’ll really enjoy being able to study them further at A Level.
Things to Consider
Do I enjoy academic learning (being in a classroom full time)?
Am I academically capable of achieving 3 A Levels? Or would I achieve a higher grade in a vocational course?
The minimum grade requirements to study A Levels are 5 GCSE’s at Grade 4 and above, but in reality, some courses need you to achieve a grade 5 or 6 in their subject to be able to study it at A Level.
Am I willing to commit 15-20 hours per week to studying, in addition to my lesson time (some of this will be completed in timetabled supervised study lessons and free periods)?
If you have a specific career or university course in mind already, then you need to look carefully into the A Level courses you choose. For example, to become a doctor you must study medicine at university, for this, almost all universities require you to have studied chemistry and biology (some universities also want maths) at A Level.
If you don’t NEED to study specific A Levels, study what you enjoy!
Where can I study A Levels locally?
Here are just a few of the local colleges/sixth forms offering A Levels.
Allerton Grange School Sixth Form
Leeds Sixth Form College
Elliott Hudson College
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College
Allerton High School Sixth Form
Roundhay School Sixth Form
What are T Levels?
T Levels were first introduced in 2020 and they are roughly a hybrid between the academic challenge of A Levels and the industry specific skills and knowledge of vocational courses.
You choose to study 1 T Level, which is the equivalent of 3 A Levels.
The full list of T Levels available to study is below, however, it’s worth checking out what T Levels are offered by each college.
Why Study a T Level?
T Levels offer something that vocational course and A Levels don’t offer, which is a work experience placement lasting a minimum of 45 days.
T Levels are accepted by the majority of universities in the UK, including 17 of the 24 Russell Group universities.
T Levels allow you to focus on one, industry related area, rather than studying 3 or 4 A Level subjects.
Things to Consider
T Levels are still relatively new and some issues, including work placements, are still being ironed out.
T Levels will not be accepted by ALL universities or for ALL degree courses.
T Levels are only offered at some colleges, and although there are a lot of different T Levels, most colleges only offer a small selection.
What are Vocational Qualifications?
Vocational qualifications are work-related qualifications, available in a wide range of career areas. They are designed to let you acquire knowledge and skills that meet recognised standards necessary to perform a particular role in the workplace.
Vocational qualifications are available at different levels, and the level you apply for, or start at, will depend on your prior qualifications.
Entry Requirements
Level 4
You typically need to have A levels or Level 3 Diploma of Access qualification.
NVQ Level 3 may be accepted in some cases.
Level 3
You typically need to have 5 GCSEs or equivalent grade 9-3, including Maths and English minimum grade 5/4.
Level 2
You typically need to have three/four GCSEs grade 9-3.
Level 1
You typically need to have three/four GCSEs.
Entry
No prior qualifications required.
Why Study a Vocational Qualification?
Vocational courses are ideal for those who thrive in a more work-centred or practical environment.
They are not as academic as A Levels, meaning you will do more practical work and be assessed through coursework, presentations, observations and what you produce, rather than through an exam.
They are related to a job or employment area, which can give you a more direct route into a career you may be interested in.
There are hundreds of different courses, so you’re not limited to the same or similar subjects you studied at GCSE.
Things to Consider
The vast majority of universities accept Level 3 Extended Diplomas (or equivalent vocational qualifications) BUT not every university will accept them for every course.
You can usually only choose 1 area to study in, rather than 3 different subjects at A Levels.
Allerton Grange does not offer vocational qualifications, you’ll need to look at other colleges to do these qualifications.
Some of the places that offer Vocational Qualifications locally are:
If you have not got a place at a college or an apprenticeship secured by the end of September, or if you don’t feel that local colleges are suitable, there are plenty of other options. Please see the attached presentation, which showcases a range of options for students who are not in Education, Employment or Training. These all offer very flexible learning or employment support.
