Year 11 Options
In Year 11 you will be busy taking exams and choosing what to do next. Check out our Year 11 calendar to find out what happens when.
To help you with your choices, you could think about what subjects you like, the type of learning that suits you best and if you would like to carry on studying. Your choices are to:
- Learn full-time at school sixth form or sixth form college
- Learn full-time or part-time at further education (FE) college
- Learn partly at work and at FE College or with a training provider
- Start work
- Do some voluntary work
Full-time Education
You can stay in full-time learning at school sixth form, sixth form college, or further education (FE) college. Find out as much as you can about the schools and colleges that offer the courses you like by reading their prospectuses and going to open days.
Check out the CourseFinder which has details of courses and apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships
If you choose work-based learning you can work towards a qualification, learn new skills, get on the job training and earn money all at the same time.
Apprenticeships lead to a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), Key Skills qualification and technical certificates such as BTEC or City and Guilds. Most apprentices earn a salary set by their employer. Wages can range from £80 to £183 per week. The average salary is about £137 per week.
Apprentices who are not paid a wage – unwaged trainees – can apply for EMA - Education Maintenance Allowance. Your family income must be below £30,810 a year to qualify.
For more info on Apprenticeships check out our Apprenticeship page
e2e
Training on an e2e (entry to employment) course can help you to get on to an apprenticeship, into work or further learning. Young people on e2e can apply for EMA - Education Maintenance Allowance. At the moment you will be able to claim EMA if your family income is less than £30,810 per year. From July 2008 everyone on e2e will get £30 a week EMA regardless of their family income.
For more info on e2e check out our e2e page
Applying for courses or apprenticeships after year 11
You can apply for a course or apprenticeship on the Leicester and Leicestershire Common Application Process form (LeCAP). You should be given a LeCAP form to fill in by your current school or college. You can also use the electronic LeCAP form. Ask your careers co-ordinator if your school is using the electronic LeCAP form.
Guaranteed offer of a course, apprenticeship or other learning
If you’re aged 16 or 17 and coming towards the end of a school or college course, the ‘September Guarantee’ means that you’ll definitely be able to continue learning. Everyone in this age group due to leave education is guaranteed an offer of a place on an appropriate course. Your Connexions personal adviser will be able to help you find and apply for a suitable course, apprenticeship or other learning opportunity.
Starting Work
School-leavers can start work or training full-time after the last Friday in June. If you haven't found a job or apprenticeship by this time you need to register for work at one of our local Connexions Centres. We can help you to find a job and/or a training place.
If you find a job that doesn’t offer any training you may be able to have Time Off for Study and Training. 16 and 17 year-olds can have paid time off work, to study or train for a qualification. You can do this if you’re not at school or college full-time and don’t have a Level 2 qualification or above.
16 and 17 year-olds at work should get the National Minimum Wage. You must be paid at least £3.40 per hour, unless you are an apprentice and do not qualify.
Thinking of a career in catering?
TV chef and successful restaurateur Anthony Worrall Thompson shares his top tips on getting ahead in the catering industry.
Please be patient this may take a while to download.
Download podcast here
Podcast produced by Studio View www.studioview.co.uk
Options @ 16+
Get the full low down on your options after 16 with our interactive guide. Includes info on:
Real Life Stories - Working and learning
Razual and Rachel both wanted to start work but were keen to learn at the same time. Click on the links below to find out about Rezaul's and Rachel's different experiences of continuing learning after starting work.
Rezaul, 19
"Getting a Saturday job led me to an apprenticeship"
Click here to follow Rezaul's experience
Rachel, 17
"I left school as quickly as I could"
Click here to follow Rachel's experience
Hollyoaks Podcasts
Sasha from Hollyoaks talks to us about getting into acting, choosing your options after school and surviving her A levels.
Please be patient this may take a while to download.
Podcast produced by Studio View www.studioview.co.uk
Get some advice from the stars with our new podcast featuring Zac from Hollyoaks. Get tips on picking the right college course, making ends meet once you’re there, and what to do if you don't like your course.
Please be patient this may take a while to download.
Podcast produced by Studio View www.studioview.co.uk
Last Updated: 09-May-2008