Choices after year 11
Young people must stay in education or training until they are 18. It's free if you start before you turn 18.
The three main choices are:
- continue to study full time
- get an apprenticeship or supported internship
- work or volunteer while studying part time
Making your choice
There are lots of choices and it can be confusing.
Before you decide, think about:
- the subjects you like
- your interests and future goals
- the type of learning and tests you like
- whether you want to go to university or get a job
- the grades you need for the course you want to do
If you don't get the GCSE grades you hoped for, don't worry. There are still options for you. Talk to different schools, colleges and training providers about what they offer.
These are just ideas to help you decide. There are no right or wrong answers. Aim high and challenge yourself - you never know what you can achieve.
If you change your mind about what you want to do, that's okay. It's normal! Knowing all your options helps you to make a good choice.
You and your family can do things to help you decide, like:
- visit schools, colleges and training providers to see what they offer
- go to taster sessions and open events
- look at their websites and read their brochures
- read Ofsted inspection reports
- check their results on the Department for Education's performance tables
- think about how you'll get there and if you can get any help towards the cost of travel
Don't forget, you can get advice from your school's careers lead.
If you want to talk to someone outside of your school, you can contact the Youth Futures Team. They can help you with your options and plans. They are know a lot about different courses and providers. You can email them at youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk.
Tracking participation
Lancashire County Council needs to know what 16 and 17 year olds living in the county are doing. This is to make sure they are in education, employment or training.
To do this, we need your correct contact details.
For more information or to tell us what you are doing, please email post16participation@lancashire.gov.uk.
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