Further Education
For those thinking about further education, choosing what to study and where will be an important step in planning the Post 16 pathway.
The following information should provide a broad overview of the Post 16 options within Further Education. For more detailed subject or course information, please see the links for individual schools and local colleges included in the Post 16 Directory.
Sixth Forms/College
A Levels
Many young people decide to stay on at their school’s 6th form or continue their education at a local college. If your school does not have a 6th form, it may be possible to attend a 6th form at a different school or college if the courses and support available are appropriate for you. This would usually be discussed at your review meetings as you get closer to leaving school, as your EHC Plan needs to be changed to reflect the need for you to change schools.
Your Connexions Adviser can help you look into the educational options as well as other alternatives.
To follow an A level pathway, students would be expected to achieve at least 5 GCSE grades 4-9. It is important to check what you will need with the school or college you are looking to study at. Please note some A levels may specify a particular GCSE grade.
Typically, a student would opt to follow three A level subjects. Students would need to consider which subjects to study, you can think about if there a particular career path in mind, or if the preference is to look at the progression options from individual A level subjects.
Vocational Courses
A vocational course has more emphasis on a broad industry sector and can be studied from a Level 1 course through to a Level 3. The level of entry will depend on the GCSE qualifications already achieved and the learning needs. Maths and English will also be included if someone has not yet achieved GCSE at a Grade 4 in either, or both, subjects.
T Levels
T Levels are a brand-new technical qualification for 16-19 year olds. They take two years to complete and are equivalent to 3 A Levels. They have been designed in collaboration with employers and include a minimum of 45-days industrial placement. T Levels offer a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on the job’ experience and the aim is to support young people to develop their skills, knowledge and to thrive in the workplace.
Over the next three years, there will be 24 different T Levels available to study, covering everything from agriculture to catering and engineering to science. Assessment is through a combination of exams, projects, and practical assignments. Individual schools and colleges set their own entry requirements.
Students that choose to study a T Level will be able to go on to further study at university or college, take on an apprenticeship, or enter the world of work. Students that enter the workplace may be supported by their employer to continue their studies too. Connexions Advisers will discuss readiness for the workplace for anyone who might be considering a T Level as a pathway.
Foundation Learning
Foundation Learning programmes are for young people, aged 16 to 24, with special learning needs or learning difficulties who could benefit from further support in developing their individual skills whilst preparing for adulthood.
Through the Skills Builder Framework, students are supported to understand their existing skills, identify gaps and the next steps that will help improve essential skills further.
Foundation learning helps develop self-confidence, skills for independence, social skills, employability skills (including work tasters) and develop functional skills in maths, ICT and English
Typically, there will be four pathways within Foundation Learning:
Preparation for independence
Preparation for employment
Preparation for vocational studies
Preparation for education
Progression from foundation learning can be onto a Level 1 or Level 2 course.
Individual college websites have helpful information about their SEND learning offer:
Tyne Coast (Tyne Met & South Shields Campus)
If you require transport support you may be expected to attend the nearest college that offers the course you plan to do.