Homepage > Learning > Choices > Choices at 16
- What choices do I have?
- I want to continuing studying
- Where can i study?
- Choosing the right place to study
- I want to start working
- Have your say
At 16 many of you will have taken, or will be taking your GCSEs soon. After your exams your full time education can stop or continue. You’ll now have more influence over your future; not just what you’ll study but where and how.
If you want to continue studying after age 16 then you need to know what choices are open to you. What you can study may depend on your exam results.
- You should be thinking about your future career and what skills you need.
- Choose a course which you have an interest in as this will keep you motivated.
- Speak with your teachers, family or a Connexions Personal Adviser to gain information, advice and guidance.
- Attend open evenings and gather prospectuses
- Use the resources in your school's Connexions library to research the choices available to you.
- Note closing dates for course applications and apply early.
If you wish to view all learning opportunities across Essex, Southend & Thurrock then try Stepon, our 14-19 online prospectus.
You can choose to continue your education at:
- a school sixth form - this will allow you to study in a familiar environment with teachers and tutors that you know
- a sixth form college – here you can study a wider range of topics than many school sixth forms can offer
- further education (FE) college – an FE college usually offers specialist courses, many with links to industry
Choosing the right place to study
Before you decide on a place of study ask yourself the following questions:
- What are the entry requirements and are they achievable?
- Does the subject interest me?
- How is the course assessed?
- Is there a lot of coursework, exams, lectures, group work?
- What are the facilities like that the provider offers?
At 16 this is where the law says you can start working full time. It is important that you choose a job that:
- you are interested in
- offers training such as an apprenticeship or an NVQ. Apprenticeships allow you the opportunity to learn on the job by building up your skills and knowledge, whilst gaining money and qualifications at the same time
For more information view our section on apprenticeships. Jobs with training offer you more progression opportunities, allowing you to earn more money in the future.
If you are looking for a full-time job then search the local vacancies we advertise. Alternatively call into your nearest Connexions Centre/One Stop Shop. We also have details of national and countrywide programmes that are currently running.
The Government has made proposals for it to be compulsory for all post 16 year olds to stay in education or training until they are 18. They are looking to introduce this from 2013. This may not affect you directly but we would like to know how you feel about this. You can read more about the proposals here.
Connexions Leaflets
Have a look at the various leaflet we produce on things like choices for students, advice on higher education, exam stress, personal safety and more.
Step on
This website offers learning opportunities in Essex, Southend and Thurrock for 14-19 year olds.
Apprenticeships
Read further information about apprenticeships, answer your questions and read success stories.
Learnow
is a portal website offering links to online course prospectuses, for the East of England.
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