Your course options

A levels (level 3)

A levels are: 

• academic qualifications in subjects like English, maths, history and sciences
• usually taught in classrooms and assessed by exams 

Where to study

School sixth forms, sixth form colleges and further education colleges 

T levels (level 3)

T levels are a mix of:

• learning in the classroom
• an unpaid work placement with an employer, for at least 9 weeks

Where to study

T levels are a newer qualification. Locally, they are currently offered at some further education colleges. 

Check the government's T levels website to find places offering T levels.

Vocational Technical Qualifications (levels 1 to 3)

Vocational courses:

• teach practical skills for specific jobs, like catering, construction or childcare
• are available as different qualifications, like BTEC Diplomas or Cambridge Technicals 

Where to study

Further education colleges offer a wide range of these courses from levels 1 to 3. 

Most school sixth forms offer a few vocational courses at level 3.

Apprenticeships (levels 2 to 7)

An apprenticeship is a paid job where you also study. You will: 

• earn money
• learn on the job most of the time
• usually spend one day a week studying in college or online 

Where to study

Find out where to study on the apprenticeships webpage.

Foundation courses (entry level)

Foundation courses help you build the skills you need to:

• feel confident and ready for adult life
• move on to other courses and training
• move on to paid work

These courses can support young people who:

• need extra support because of a learning difficulty or disability, including more complex needs
• need help moving to college or getting back into learning
• want to develop their personal and social skills to reach their potential

Where to study

Many further education colleges offer these courses. Found out more about foundation courses.

Supported internships if you have an EHCP

A supported internship is an unpaid work-based study programme. They are for young people:

• with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• who want a paid job in the future, but need some extra help to build skills and confidence 

You will get support from a job coach and spend time in an unpaid work placement with an employer.

If you are not quite ready for a supported internship, you could do a foundation course first to help you build the skills you need.

Where to study

Find out where to study on the supported internships webpage.

A levels

T levels

Level 3 vocational technical qualifications

Level 3 apprenticeships

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, or

An equivalent level 2 qualification 

Level 2 vocational technical qualifications

Level 2 apprenticeships

4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and maths, or

An equivalent level 1 qualification