There are many different options at post-16
A Levels – A Levels are subject-based qualifications usually assessed by exams. You usually choose 3 subjects to study but you can take more or fewer.
T Levels – A T level gives you a mix of learning in the classroom and on the job. Businesses and employers helped design T Levels to teach you the skills you’ll need.
Vocational Technical Qualifications – Vocational Technical Qualifications are practical qualifications to help you gain skills and experience in a specific job or sector, such as childcare or engineering. They can be offered as part of a training package with an employer(usually an apprenticeship) or a college course. Most courses are known as NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) which are work-based qualifications that recognise the skills and knowledge a person needs to do a job. Some NVQs can be offered by colleges( as well as employers).
Applied Qualifications – Level 3 applied general qualification e.g. BTECs, are equivalent to A levels. They are for students 16 -19 who want to continue their education through applying their learning to a general job area e.g. Law, Creative and Media and Business. Some of these qualifications are under review are and slowly being replaced by T Levels. Please note that all Applied General Qualifications areas are being replaced by T Levels at this moment in time. Level 1 and Level 2 applied courses are also available for students who have less than 4 GCSEs at Grade 4.
Apprenticeships – Apprenticeships are real jobs that allow you to earn a wage while you learn. You’ll work alongside experienced staff to learn on the job. You will usually work towards nationally recognised qualifications in your specialist area – usually an NVQ. For more information see the apprenticeship page
To find out more about what these qualifications are click here –
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-choices-at-16#a-levels
Local information
Studying A Levels
Schools –
King James’s School – You can study A Levels and BTECs at King James’s School – see their current prospectus here. The new 2024-25 prospectus is available now.
Studying A Levels at a different school – do check out the school website and look at their 6th form and prospectus pages for their open days, taster days and application deadlines. If you are moving out of the area do let the Careers Adviser know and she can help you with your plans for the area you are locating to.
Further Education Colleges – Offer a wide range of vocational courses. York College and Leeds City College (Leeds Sixth form College) offer A Level programmes (and mix with BTECs). See links to websites below to find out more about the colleges and courses you are interested in.
Studying Technical and Vocational Courses
These are the main colleges in our area. Please ask for the support of the adviser if you are moving out of the area after Yr. 11.
 | Harrogate College |
 | Askham Bryan |
 | York College |
 | Leeds City College |
 | Leeds College of Building |