All of My Post-16 Options

 

Whether you’re getting ready to open your GCSE results or simply starting to think about what’s next after Year 11 – this is where your future starts to take shape.

In Doncaster, there are so many exciting ways to keep learning, build your skills, and take your next step with confidence. Whatever your interests, ambitions, or goals – there’s a path for you. Young people have to stay in some form of education or training until at least their 18th birthday, but it is your choice with the pathway 

How do I Choose?

Choosing your next steps can be a little daunting and that’s normal! It can also be exciting and we would encourage you to speak to your family and support networks, your teachers and your careers advisors in your school or educational setting to start to plan and think about what you might like to do next.

The important thing to do is that whatever you want to do, You Can in Doncaster! However big your goals or dreams, there’s lots of way to work towards them. This is your choice, for your future!

Here’s a few things to consider when thinking about your next steps:

  • How do you like to learn or learn the best? Do you enjoy being in a classroom and learning in an academic way, or do you thrive when doing things yourself and learning hands-on?
  • Do you enjoy the support you receive at school or are you looking for a little more independence? Different pathways offer different levels of independent learning so it’s important to consider
  • What are predicted or expected grades for your GCSE or Level 2 studies? No matter how you do, there’s a way to reach your goals – your path may just look a little different depending on your results
  • Are you thinking of full-time or part-time study combined with work or volunteering? Both routes offer different outcomes and it’s important to think about what you might do in the future.
  • What is important to you? Are you keen to work towards going to university for further study, or are you interested in earning a wage and gaining work-based experience sooner? All routes are great, but it’s what is important to you that matters

What are my options for after Year 11?

Once you have left school at the end of Year 11, there are a few options for you to consider! Find out more about each one by clicking the links below:

What routes can I take for education or training?

Sixth Form and Sixth Form College

Love academic study and subjects? Want to keep your options open for further study in the future such as university?

There are lots of routes into degree-level study, but Sixth Form and Sixth Form Colleges provides a more direct pathway to going to university. You’ll typically study 3 or 4 subjects over two years, and your learning will mostly be done in a classroom setting just like school. 

The courses you study are typically A Levels but some offer T Levels and other more vocational Level 3 courses too, so be sure to check those out if that’s something you’re interested in.

Most Sixth Forms offer full-time study routes only.

Further Education (FE) College

Prefer learning by doing? Vocational qualifications like BTECs, NVQs and T-Levels combine classroom learning with real world skills. These can lead to university, apprenticeships or straight into careers in your chosen industry.

Apprenticeships and Work-based Training

Wanting to earn while you learn? Apprenticeships are real jobs with hands-on training, so you’ll build experience and work towards nationally recognised qualifications within your chosen industry, usually with one day a week of study done at a college or training provider. You can undertake apprenticeship in a huge range of industries in Doncaster.

Supported Learning and Specialist Education

If you need a little extra support, have additional learning needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), there are some great options in Doncaster to study or train after Year 11, but with an extra level of support to ensure you can reach your goals and go at your own place. These are designed to help build confidence and skills in an inclusive way.

Doncaster's Local Offer is a great place to start to find out more about these dedicated options, and you can find it HERE

Want to speak to someone about your options?

Doncaster Participation and Transition Service (PATs) | A free and friendly support service providing information, advice and guidance to young people aged 16 to 18 - who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), signposting to relevant services and/or education and training providers.
- Contact them at PATS@doncaster.gov.uk or on 01302 862150
- Find out more at Participation and Transition Service - City of Doncaster Council

Advance Hub Doncaster | Advance provide support and guidance around careers, employment and training, including dedicated Ambition Coaches to help you figure out your next steps
- Contact them at advanceemploymenthub@doncaster.gov.uk or on 01302 735 554
- Find out more at Advance Employment Hub

Back to Post 16 main page>>