Full time study
There are two main choices if you want to study full time after year 11: a school sixth form or a college.
You can choose a provider in Lancashire or outside the county. An education provider located outside Lancashire might be a better choice for you. They might be closest to your home or offer the right course for you.
You can view a map of the school sixth forms and colleges in Lancashire.
Qualifications you can study
Generally, courses tend to be classed as academic or vocational/technical and you can choose from a wide range of subjects.
Qualifications are available at different levels - the higher the level, the more difficult the course. There are 9 qualification levels and you can read more about qualification levels on GOV.UK.
Academic
A Levels
A Levels are two-year courses that end with an exam. They are Level 3 qualifications.
Most students take three A Level subjects, but you might be able to combine them with another qualification. It's best to ask your chosen school sixth form or college what they offer.
A Levels are one of the main ways to get into university.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme offers six subject groups to choose from, including Language and Literature and Maths.
Not all school sixth forms or colleges offer the IB Programme, so you'll need to check with your preferred provider.
The programme is studied over two years and is a good route into university.
Vocational/Technical Qualifications
Vocational and technical qualifications are available in many subjects and you can get qualifications like an NVQ or a BTEC.
These courses provide practical learning and skills for specific job sectors, such as travel and tourism. They are created with help from businesses to give you the right knowledge and skills for work.
These qualifications mainly lead to a job but can also help you study at a higher level, such as university.
T Levels
T Levels are two-year Level 3 courses, equivalent to three A Levels. They consist of 80% technical learning and 20% working in a real job or industry placement (around 45 days or 315 hours).
These courses provide real-world experience in your chosen industry and include English and Maths if you didn't achieve at least a GCSE grade 4 in these subjects. T Levels are designed with professional bodies and employers and are available in many different job sectors across Lancashire. They are assessed through projects, tests, and exams.
T Levels can help you get an apprenticeship, skilled employment, or go to university.
T Level Foundation Year
The T Level foundation year is a one-year course at level 2. It is designed for young people who aren't yet ready for a T Level.
The course will help you get the skills and knowledge you need to move onto a T Level in the future.
For more details on T Levels in Lancashire, visit the SORTED website. You can find more information on T Levels on the T Levels website. Use your postcode to search the T Levels website to find out which are available in your local area.
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