Post 16 Qualifications
When you leave school at 16 the government states that you must do one of the following:
- stay in full-time education, for example at school, sixth form college or further education college.
- start an apprenticeship or traineeship.
- spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering while also doing part-time education or training.
Moving onto Level 3 qualifications at school or college will require a grade 4 or above in five GCSE’s, usually including English and Maths.
Below is a guide to the qualifications available to you and a brief explanation of each level.
| Qualification level | What they give you | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Entry level awards, certificates and diplomas Essential skills at an entry level | Basic knowledge and skills Ability to apply learning in everyday situations Not geared towards specific occupations |
| Level One | GCSE grades 3 to 1 level one awards, diplomas and certificates Key Skills level 1 NVQs Essential Skills Music grades 1 to 3 | Basic knowledge and skills Ability to apply learning with guidance or supervision May be linked to job competencies |
| Level Two | GCSE grades 4 to 9 Intermediate apprenticeships Level 2 awards, diplomas and certificates OCR Nationals NVQs Essential Skills Music grades 4 and 5 | Good knowledge and understanding of a subject Ability to do a variety of tasks with some guidance or supervision Suitable for many job roles |
| Level Three | AS and A levels Access to Higher Education diploma Advanced apprenticeship International Baccalaureate NVQs BTEC diplomas, certificates and awards BTEC Nationals OCR Nationals Music grades 6 to 8 Cambridge Technicals | Ability to gain or apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding at a detailed level Appropriate if you plan to go to university Appropriate if you plan to go onto a level 4 or above apprenticeship |
This diagram below shows you the progression routes through each level of qualification:
If you have any questions or if you would like further information please email our Head of Futures, Mrs Raine at: [email protected]
Interview and Application Advice
Whether it is an application for a weekend job or for your next steps in education use the following links to gain some expert advice.
Youth Employment UK – CV Writing Tips
Youth Employment UK – How to Write a Great CV
Youth Employment UK – Top Interview Questions and Answers
Useful Websites
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentice/what-is-an-apprenticeship – National Apprenticeship Website.
http://wheretheworkis.org – Job sectors that make up the North East landscape
https://login.startprofile.com/login.aspx – Match up your interests and skills with jobs
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/study-and-training/secondary-school-or-fe-college – Health Careers
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ – National Careers Service
https://icould.com/ – Careers videos and articles covering most careers topics
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers – Careers advice and guidance.
There is a new qualification to know about – T Levels
T Levels are a brand new qualification designed with employers to give young people a head start towards the future they want. They follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A Levels. The first T Levels launch in selected schools and colleges across England in September 2020 with more following in later years.
T Levels combine classroom work with an extended industry placement to ensure young people gain the knowledge and skills they need to move into skilled work, an apprenticeship or further study. What the video on Youtube below for more information