For our year 11 students, the time has come start making decisions about what they would like to do in the future. Everything we do here at Bishop Perowne is about supporting our students to achieve the best future for them, so it is always exciting to see what they choose to do next.
There are lots of options to pick from, and this is an opportunity for students to build on their passions and skills, and find the choice that is right for them.
Some of our students already know what they want to do after they leave Bishop Perowne, however many are still unsure. For those who don’t know, there is no need to worry. There is still time to make a decision.
Each facility is different, but many colleges and further education options opened their applications in October and will keep them open until the new year.
The Department for Education has laid down three further study options for students to choose form once they leave us:
- Stay in full-time education
- Begin an apprenticeship or traineeship
- Work/volunteer for 20 hours or more a week, whilst continuing with education/training part-time
Full-time Education
To stay in full-time education students will need to transfer to a college or another school that has a sixth form provision. The options for study are wide-ranging, from A Levels in academic subjects such as English, maths or history, to more vocational qualifications like NVQs and BTECs in jobelated subjects such as games design, beauty therapy and electrical installation.
Students can also choose to undertake T Levels. These are a new qualification focussed on technical workplace skills, which became available from 2020. One T level is equivalent to 3 A Levels. They involve doing classroom work alongside a meaningful industry placement. From September 2023, there will be 23 T Level subjects available from accounting, finance, and digital business services, to engineering, agriculture, and construction. See the full list of T Level subjects here.
All of these options take two years of study, and will give those who wish to pursue higher education at university the necessary qualifications.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a real job where a young person becomes an employee and will learn, gain experience and get paid. Where apprenticeships used to be very closely linked to the construction industry, they are now available across many sectors and provide an invaluable opportunity for someone to:
- Learn and train for a specific job
- Get paid and receive holiday leave
- Receive hands-on experience in a real job
Throughout an apprenticeship (usually between one and four years), the student will study for at least 20% of their working hours – this is usually done at a college or with a training provider. Information about apprenticeships available in our region can be found on the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website.
Traineeship
A traineeship is slightly different to an apprenticeship. It is an education and training programme for those who do not have the appropriate skills to secure an apprenticeship or employment. A traineeship will include:
- A work experience placement with an employer
- Work preparation training
- Support with English and maths (if required)
Traineeships can last up to a maximum of six months and the content is bespoke to the requirements of the young person and the business. Although, employers are not required to pay trainees for the work placement, some may qualify for financial support. At the end of the placement, the young person will have gained the skills and experience needed to pursue an apprenticeship or other further education options.
You can search for a traineeship on the GOV.UK website.
Part-time Learning
For students that choose to go on to work/volunteer they must still study for a nationally recognised qualification. This can be done part-time, and as with remaining in full-time education, there are numerous courses and qualifications available.
This option does have many benefits, including:
- Gaining work skills
- Gaining an insight into a specific industry by choosing to volunteer
- Safeguarding future training options
- Earning a salary whilst studying
Ongoing Careers Advice
Throughout their time with us, all our students will receive impartial careers advice, and we want every student to have the chance to succeed in a career they enjoy and value. You can learn more about the careers advice students receive here.
