Post-16 Education and Training

Young people in England are required to continue in some form of education or training until they are 18. There are several pathways for young people to choose from, depending on what they are thinking of doing next, and what their longer-term goals are.

Post-16 Study Programmes

All students aged 16-19 should follow a coherent study programmes which provides stretch and progression and enables them to achieve the best possible outcomes in adult life. Students with an Education, Health and Care Plan may be able to access a study programme up to age 25.

Schools and colleges are expected to design study programmes which enable students to –

• progress to a higher level of study than their prior attainment
• take rigorous qualifications
• study English and Maths
• participate in meaningful work experience and non-qualification activity.

Students should not be repeating learning that they have already successfully completed.

Post-16 study programmes are generally around 16 hours per week (around 580 hours per year). This is considered to be a full-time programme and is usually offered over 3 days. Each provider might offer similar qualifications, but there will be variations in the subjects and the course content you can study with each of them. Some study programmes will have entry requirements.

If you are still in school, you will have access to careers advice and guidance to help you decide which route is right for you. Further information can also be found at the National Careers Service website.

Information about study programmes at schools, colleges and training providers

Schools with sixth forms offering Post-16 Education

• There are a number of schools in Derbyshire offering post-16 courses, usually A Levels and BTECs.
• You can find information about special schools in Derbyshire that offer post-16 education 
• University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are schools with science, technology, engineering and maths) focus.

Sixth Form Colleges

• There are a number of sixth form colleges that offer post-16 education.
• They are often larger than school sixth forms and often offer a wider range of courses including technical and vocational qualifications.

Further Education Colleges

• There are a number of further education colleges in and around the Derbyshire area that offer a range of academic, vocational and technical qualifications.

Training Providers

• There are training providers that specialise in training for different sectors.

You may also choose to undertake an apprenticeship, or traineeship, or a supported internship.

You can find a guide to post-16 study programmes and the available pathways in the related documents section of this page. You can use this to help you consider which post-16 route might be the right one for you.