Education options for young people aged 16 and over

Explore your options

Young people need to stay in education or training until 18 years old.

After finishing Year 11 at 16, you could:

• study full-time at a school, college, or with a training provider
• start workplace training through an apprenticeship or supported internship
• work or volunteer for 20 hours a week, alongside part-time education or training

Talk to family, friends, teachers and other adults who support you, for advice on your next steps.

If you have an education, health and care plan (EHCP)

If you have an EHCP, your school should help you start planning for your future at your Year 9 annual review.

At the annual review meeting, you’ll discuss future goals and the support you need. Your parents, carers, and teachers will help you create a plan for your next school year.

You can also learn about the phase transfer process for a young person with EHCP due to move into post-16 education

More guidance

The Skills for Careers website can help you decide which qualification or training option is right for you. Find out about your training options on Skills for Careers.