Post 16 Options

What are my Post 16 Options?

As you think about your next steps after Year 11, it’s important to make decisions that are right for you. Consider what works best for your goals and interests, and remember—this is your choice, so choose for yourself.

By law, you must stay in some form of education or training until you’re 18.
Here are the three main pathways (you can click on the headings to take you to more information about each one):

Stay in Full-Time Education

Continue studying A-Levels, take vocational qualifications like BTECs or Cambridge Technicals, or start a T Level in a subject that interests you.

Start an Apprenticeship

Combine work and study by earning a wage while gaining a qualification and hands-on experience. Learn more about apprenticeships by clicking here.

Work or Volunteer with Part-Time Education

Spend 20 or more hours a week working or volunteering while completing part-time education or training.

 

Staying in Full-Time Education...

This section will provide you with useful information and links to help you make an informed decision about staying in full-time education after Year 11.

Applying to Sixth Form at FSG

If you are currently a student at FSG you will apply to the school via SIMS Options. You can find more information about our open evening and how to apply for our Sixth Form by clicking here.

Applying to other Post 16 providers

Kent Choices is the online prospectus and application system for Post 16 routes in Kent. You can access information on all Post 16 courses, schools and colleges in Kent and most importantly, apply for courses. It also includes a calendar of all upcoming Open Days and Evenings. You will receive your login details for Kent Choices at the start of Year 11, if you cannot find yours please email Mr Eke.

Below is a timeline that provides an overview of the key dates in the application process for Post 16 courses. It is important that you understand the dates for attending open events, completing your application and accepting offers. Different providers will have different deadlines so make sure you have read the information on their website and Kent Choices carefully to ensure you meet them.

A flowchart showing the different stages of the post 16 application process

Timeline for Post 16 options

 

Below are two useful videos from Kent Choices to help you understand the application process and make your applications the best they can be:

 

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.

There are 9 levels of qualification in the UK. You will have qualifications at level 2 when they sit your GCSE’s and at level 3 when they sit your A Levels. Students at The Folkestone School for Girls should typically be looking at level 3 apprenticeships if you are choosing to study them after GCSE.

Employers can advertise their apprenticeship vacancies at any time and some will choose to advertise them up to a year before their start date. Therefore, it is important that you are regularly looking for vacancies that might interest you and completing your application as soon as possible (employers may close their vacancies early if a suitable candidate has been found).

The video below provides a good introduction to help you understand how apprenticeships work. You can find out more information and search for vacancies on the following websites:

Work or Volunteer with Part-Time Education

After leaving school, you have the freedom to explore exciting opportunities like starting work, volunteering, becoming an intern, or even launching your own business. However, you must also take part in part-time training or study that leads to a regulated qualification, such as a Vocational Technical Qualification (VTQ). This ensures that, while gaining valuable experience, you’re also earning a recognised accreditation to support your future career.

If you choose to work full-time, your part-time education or training must total at least 280 guided learning hours (GLH) per year. That’s the equivalent of one day a week learning from a lecturer, supervisor, or tutor. These learning hours can be taken flexibly to fit around your working hours, as distance learning, or in dedicated blocks of time.

Where can I look if I am not sure what I would like to do next?

There are lots of options available to you and it can be overwhelming. If you are not sure what you would like to do next speak with your parents/carers, your teachers, your friends to explore your current strengths and interests and where they could lead you. In the Autumn term of Year 11 you will also have a personal group career guidance meeting with an independent advisor who can help you consider the options available to you.

Have a look at the following resources to help you come up with ideas for your next step:

Lastly, the Skillsometer below can help you discover what jobs you might like to do in the future. You will be presented with a series of statements. Select the emoji that shows how you feel about each statement. You will be given suggestions of jobs linked to what you most enjoy doing.