Post-16 and Post-18 Options
There are different options available to young people who are transitioning past school and into post-16 settings, and those who are finishing college or sixth form heading into post-18.
Transitions and Preparing for Adulthood
Post-16 Options
The raising of the participation age means at the end of year 11 you will need to continue in education or training until at least your 18th birthday. Some examples of this are:
- full time education, such as A Levels or Btec’s
- apprenticeships – allowing for the opportunity to combine on the job training
with studying for a qualification - supported internships – structured study programmes based primarily at an employer. They enable young people aged 16-24, with an EHCP, to achieve paid employment by equipping them with skills they need for work
For more information about each of these options, please see the post-16 guidance.
Post-18 Options
There are four main transition options for young people aged 18. They can either:
- move into higher education and study for Degrees; Higher National Diplomas/Certificates; Foundation Degrees and Diplomas/Certificates of Higher Education
- start full time employment including apprenticeships
- take a gap year to gain experience and develop your employability skills. It is important to spend this time constructively (e.g. travel; working abroad or in the UK; volunteering, etc.)
- voluntary work/internships which can provide you with direct experience of working in a particular role
For further information about each of these options please see the post-18 guidance.