Your Future Unlocked:
A Student’s Guide to Post-16 Pathways
Your future after Year 11 is full of pathways and possibilities, this guide can help you understand them and choose what feels right for you.
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A-levels
Academic subjects, ideal for university routes.
Key Info:
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What: A 2-year academic deep dive into 3–4 subjects you choose.
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Entry: Usually 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English and Maths. Some subjects might need higher grades.
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Assessment: Mostly final exams at the end of the two years, with some coursework in certain subjects.
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Progression: The main route to university (Russell Group universities are leading UK universities, known for their research and academic excellence), also Higher or Degree Apprenticeships.
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What some people might think: "A-levels are only for university" or "they're too academic and not for everyone."
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But actually: They help you develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills, opening up many diverse university courses and career paths. Not the only way to get to uni!
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BTECs
Practical and coursework-based, focusing on vocational skills.
Key Info:
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What: Applied learning in specific sectors like Health, Business, or Sport. You learn by doing, often focusing on real-world projects. Note: BTEC qualifications are evolving! While many BTECs are being updated or replaced by exciting new options like T-Levels from 2026, existing courses remain valid. Your college or careers advisor can give you the latest info on what's available.
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Entry: - Level 2 (e.g., Extended Certificate): Often 4 GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above.
- Level 3 (e.g., Extended Diploma): Usually 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English and Maths. Entry requirements can vary by college and course – always check the provider’s website!
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Assessment: Mainly coursework and projects, with some exams or practical assessments. It’s more continuous assessment.
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Progression: Accepted by many universities (equivalent to 1-3 A-levels, depending on the BTEC), apprenticeships, or direct employment. Example: Ellie took a BTEC in Health & Social Care and now studying Nursing at university.
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What some people might think: "BTECs are 'easier' than A-levels" or "they're not for uni if you want a good one."
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But actually: They are rigorous and develop valuable real-world skills. They're great if you prefer continuous assessment and practical application, and many universities accept them!
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T-Levels
A mix of classroom learning and significant real work experience.
Key Info:
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What: Brand new 2-year technical programmes. You spend 80% of your time in the classroom learning core theory and specialist skills, and 20% on a substantial industry placement (at least 45 days!).
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Entry: Typically 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English & Maths.
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Assessment: A mix of exams, practical assessments, and a big employer-set project based on real-world scenarios.
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Progression: They're equivalent to 3 A-levels and are accepted by many universities for relevant degrees, or you can go straight into skilled employment or higher apprenticeships.
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What some people might think: "T-Levels are only for those who don't want to go to university."
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But actually: They were designed by employers to give you job-ready skills AND real experience. Many universities (including Russell Group universities - these are leading UK universities, known for their research and academic excellence) now accept T-Levels for a wide range of courses!
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IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma
Broad academic study with a global focus, often leading to university.
Key Info:
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What: A global 2-year diploma where you study 6 subjects (3 at Higher Level, 3 at Standard Level) plus a core of extended essay writing, a Theory of Knowledge course, and creativity, activity, service (CAS) projects. Note: Not all schools/colleges offer the IB Diploma, so availability varies by location.
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Entry: Generally requires high GCSE grades across a range of subjects (varies by school/college).
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Assessment: A good mix of final exams and internal assessments throughout the course (e.g., essays, presentations, practicals).
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Progression: Highly valued for university entry worldwide (including top UK universities) because it shows a broad education and strong critical thinking skills.
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What some people might think: "It's only for international students" or "it's too difficult and stressful."
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But actually: It provides an excellent all-round education, prepares you really well for university, and gives you a fantastic global perspective.
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Apprenticeships
Get paid to learn a job, gaining qualifications along the way.
Key Info:
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What: A real job with a real salary, combined with structured training (at least 20% of your time is spent on 'off-the-job' study). They come in various levels, from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) all the way up to Level 7 (equivalent to a Master's degree!).
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Entry: Entry requirements vary hugely by the level of the apprenticeship and the employer. Some need specific GCSEs, others focus more on your attitude and potential.
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Assessment: Continuous assessment in the workplace, building a portfolio of your skills, and a final end-point assessment once you've completed your training.
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Progression: Leads directly to skilled employment, or you can progress to higher-level apprenticeships (including Degree Apprenticeships, where you earn a degree without student debt!). Example: Rashid started a Level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship and now works full-time at a creative agency.
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What some people might think: "Apprenticeships are only for manual trades" or "they're less academic and won't get me far."
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But actually: They are available in hundreds of industries (think tech, finance, law, creative arts, healthcare!). They offer a fantastic way to gain valuable work experience and a qualification, sometimes even a degree, without university debt.
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Work with Training
Entry-level work combined with part-time learning or qualifications.
Key Info:
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What: This could be direct employment (paid or voluntary) combined with part-time college courses or employer-led training programmes (like Supported Internships).
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Entry: Varies widely depending on the specific job or training. Often, they focus on your enthusiasm and basic literacy/numeracy skills.
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Assessment: Could include vocational assessments, assignments, or working towards essential GCSEs or Functional Skills qualifications.
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Progression: Helps you build immediate work experience and practical skills. It can be a stepping stone to an apprenticeship, further education, or direct career progression within a company.
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What some people might think: "It's just a job, not a proper career pathway."
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But actually: It's a great way to gain independence quickly and develop valuable practical skills. These pathways often include support for improving essential skills like English and Maths, which can open many doors for your future.
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Other Tailored Pathways to Consider:
For some students, especially if you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or additional needs, there are pathways designed with extra support. These include:
Supported Internships: Focused on helping you gain work experience and skills, often with a dedicated job coach.
Supported Apprenticeships: Similar to a regular apprenticeship but with additional support tailored to your needs.
Prince's Trust Programmes: Offer various courses and support to build confidence, gain new skills, and help you get into employment, education, or training.
Always talk to your careers adviser or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) about what support is available and what options would best suit you.
💡 There’s no single 'right' answer – your journey is unique! Use these prompts to guide your thinking during our session and afterwards.
Let’s Talk About You!
Time to Reflect: What Suits YOU?
Tick any that apply: I learn best when I'm...
💡 Thinking Prompt: Think about subjects you enjoy or hobbies you love. How do you learn new skills there?
In my future, I would like to...
💡 Thinking Prompt: What kind of work would make you feel fulfilled? What impact do you hope to have, big or small?
If you have additional needs, talk to your careers adviser or SENCO about what support is available at each provider.
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Explore More: Career Quizzes
Explore More: Career Quizzes
Try a Career Quiz (Careerpilot)
Scan or
click here
to explore your options with Careerpilot!
Try a Career Quiz (National Careers Service)
Scan or
click here
for the National Careers Service Skills Assessment.
Compare & Decide
Which pathway(s) feel like a good fit for you right now? (e.g., "I think [Pathway Name] might suit me because...")
💡 Thinking Prompt: Which of these options genuinely excite you? Which ones align with your strengths, even if they seem a little challenging?
What specific things do you want to learn more about? (e.g., "I need to research more about [Pathway Name] and specific courses/employers.")
💡 Thinking Prompt: What financial, logistical, or long-term questions do you have? Write them down!
Your Next Steps
My next step is... (e.g., "Talk to my careers advisor about...", "Look up colleges offering...", "Search for apprenticeships in...")
💡 Thinking Prompt: What's one small, practical thing you can do this week to move forward?
Questions I want to ask to get more information: (e.g., "What are the entry requirements?", "What's the assessment like?", "What jobs can this lead to?")
💡 Thinking Prompt: What financial, logistical, or long-term questions do you have? Write them down!
Who can I talk to for advice and support? (e.g., "Careers advisor, teachers, parents, older students, employers.")
💡 Thinking Prompt: Who in your life (or in your network) could offer valuable insights or encouragement?
