Post 16 further education, training and study options explained

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What qualifications are right for you? 

There are a range of Post 16 options available for young people in and around Hackney. 

The following help and advice information may also help you understand what option is the best choice for you. It explains the different levels of qualification and then looks at how some of these options are structured with a focus on information relevant to those with additional needs and or disabilities. 


What are the best sources of National Information? 

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) has produced a helpful guide that explains the different types of further study and post 16 options available to young people. Their UCAS Ultimate Guides are a good place to start looking

Young people are encouraged to do this early on so they can begin planning their journey to Post 16 education, Higher Education, Training, or paid work. 



What is Project Hackney?

Project Hackney is designed to make students and parents more aware of Hackney’s 16-19 offer. Students who study in Hackney have a good range of A’ Levels and vocational courses on offer. Through Project Hackney, we aim to work together to create a more inclusive offer to help those from a lower starting point to do well and progress. 


Where can I talk to someone about what I can do next?

If you would prefer to speak with someone all schools are required to provide career advice. Your school's career advisor can explain options to you. 

Hackney’s Independent Careers Advice Service - Prospects runs weekly drop-in advice sessions and in some cases can be asked to attend transition annual reviews for children with EHC Plans in Year 9 and Year 11. You can also contact the service by phone for advice. This may be a callback.

Entry Level Qualification

If you do not have experience, or are not feeling confident about your abilities, then this level could be a good place to start to build your knowledge and confidence. These qualifications are intended to be accessible to a broard range of students. There is no extrenal exam for these course. 

Each entry level qualification is available at three sub-levels - 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult.

Entry level qualifications are:

  • Entry level award
  • Entry level certificate (ELC)
  • Entry level diploma
  • Entry level English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
  • Entry level essential skills
  • Entry level functional skills
  • Skills for Life

Find information about OCR - Entry Level Qualifications here. 

Find information about AQA - Entry Level Qualification here. 

Level 1 courses

They are ideal if you are starting out or are new to the subject area.
Level 1 qualifications are:

  • First certificate
  • GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G
  • Level 1 award
  • Level 1 certificate
  • Level 1 diploma
  • Level 1 ESOL
  • Level 1 essential skills
  • Level 1 functional skills
  • Level 1 national vocational qualification (NVQ)
  • Music grades 1, 2 and 3
  • ASDANS (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network)
  • BTEC Level 1
  • Traineeships

Level 2 courses

In order to enrol on a Level 2 course you need to have some knowledge or experience of the subject area. These are usually taken at the end or as the next stage from secondary education. 

Level 2 qualifications are:

  • CSE - grade 1
  • GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C (This includes GCSE’s retakes)
  • Intermediate apprenticeship
  • Level 2 award
  • Level 2 certificate
  • Level 2 diploma
  • Level 2 ESOL
  • Level 2 essential skills
  • Level 2 functional skills
  • Level 2 national certificate
  • Level 2 national diploma
  • Level 2 NVQ
  • Music grades 4 and 5

Level 3 courses

Level 3 courses will further develop your knowledge and understanding of your chosen subject area and generally last 2 years. They are a progression of qualifications and courses you have taken before.

Level 3 qualifications are:

  • A level
  • access to higher education diploma
  • advanced apprenticeship
  • applied general
  • AS level
  • International Baccalaureate diploma
  • Level 3 award
  • Level 3 certificate
  • Level 3 diploma
  • Level 3 ESOL
  • Level 3 national certificate
  • Level 3 national diploma
  • Level 3 NVQ
  • Music grades 6, 7 and 8
  • T Level
  • Tech level

Level 4 courses (and above level 4 courses)

Level 4 courses and courses above level 4 help you gain specialist knowledge and understanding of the subject area.

They fall into the category of Higher Education and are equivalent to courses taught at Universities.

If you have successfully reached a Level 4 course and you have an EHC Plan you support will not be provided through your EHC Plan any more. Students who need extra help for level 4 course can get this through busaries and Disabled Students Allowance


Level 4 qualifications are:

  • Certificate of higher education (CertHE)
  • Higher apprenticeship
  • Higher national certificate (HNC)
  • Level 4 award
  • Level 4 certificate
  • Level 4 diploma
  • Level 4 NVQ

ASDANS

About ASDANs

ASDAN is an awarding body whose programmes and qualifications offer flexible ways of developing and accrediting personal, social and work-related abilities. ASDANS are aimed at young people aged 11-25 who need support to engage with relevant and motivating courses that will help them achieve meaningful learning outcomes. 

Find more information about ASDANs here.

NVQs

NVQs are vocational awards achieved through assessment and training, usually in the workplace.

The NVQ is a work-based qualification that recognises the skills and knowledge a person needs to do a job. The candidate needs to demonstrate and prove their competency in their chosen role or career path. These are ‘competence based’ qualifications where people learn practical, work-related tasks to help develop the skills and knowledge to increase their effectiveness.

NCQs do not involve taking exams and can be a qualification option from Level 1 to Level 4.

More information about NVQs is available on the UCAS website here

Traineeships

Traineeships are short, flexible programmes for 16-23 year-olds, combining work experience and pre-employment training to help you successfully find a job or access to an Apprenticeship.

A traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work placement. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months. 

More information about Traineeships is avaialble here on the GOV.UK website.

Supported Internships

Since the Government raised the participation age (RPA) young people aged 16-18 in England must continue with education or training. Supported internships, apprenticeships and traineeships are all options allowed under this legislation.

Supported internships are for young people aged 16 – 24 who have complex learning disabilities and or are autistic. They are set up to develop helpful skills and attitudes needed for the workplace and are suitable for those who learn best by doing. Most learning takes place at work and only a small part of the placement is in a classroom.

Trained job coaches may be available to provide support during the programme. These are generally funded by the Access to Work Fund which can also help with travel costs and any special equipment required. Supported internship providers should be able to help interns apply to the fund.

Supported internships are an education programme so the work experience is not paid, however at the end of the programme successful interns would be expected to be ready to take up paid work.

You must be aged 18-24 and have an EHC Plan becuse of support needs related to your Learning Disability or Autism. 

Find more information here about Supported Internships in Hackney including how to apply.

Study Programmes

Study programmes are flexible programmes built around the needs of individual students. Students aged 16 – 18 attending further education colleges will be enrolled on Study Programmes made up of different elements or a menu of learning that helps prepare young people for adult life including finding work.

All study programmes must have a core aim, which will be tailored to the needs of the individual and typically include a substantial qualification (academic or technical) or preparation for employment.

All study programmes should include work experience and non-qualification activities that complement the other elements of the programme and support the student to progress to further or higher education (HE) or to employment.


The DfE (Deopartment for Education) states:

Most young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are capable of sustained employment with the right preparation and support. All professionals working with them should share that presumption. As such, the study programme principles apply equally to students with SEND.

The SEND Code of Practice sets out the general responsibilities of post-16 providers for young people with SEND, both with and without an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan.

It is important that students with SEND are given the support they need to access their study programme. Providers should take particular care to tailor study programmes to the individual aspirations and needs of students with SEND, in discussion with the student.

Where students have an EHC plan, providers should also involve the local authority SEN team where appropriate. While some students with SEND should be on study programmes focused on helping them achieve stretching qualifications, others will gain more benefit from a traineeship, supported internship or other study programme that helps them prepare for employment and adult life.

Students with SEND may face more barriers to gaining employment than their peers. Work experience may therefore be a particularly important element of their study programme to build their skills and confidence.

Providers should consider carefully how the work experience element of their study programme could enable them to develop and demonstrate the skills that will help them gain employment. They should also consider what additional support a student with SEND may need before, during and after the work experience, to fully benefit from it. Providers may find it helpful to read the short guide on work experience on the Preparing for Adulthood website. (This information is now hosted here on the Council for Disabled Children's website)

Access to Work (AtW) is a discretionary grant scheme delivered by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that can assist in paying for practical support to enable disabled people or those with health conditions to overcome workplace barriers. Providers should communicate the existence of AtW to students and employers when they are setting up a supported internship, traineeship or apprenticeship. Further guidance on Access to Work is available on the Council for Disabled Children website.

When finding work placements for students with SEND, providers may find it helpful to refer to Disability Confident accreditation. Disability Confident encourages employers to take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop employees with a disability. A Disability Confident business will often display a badge on its website and company literature. Further information is available on the Disability Confident website.

Exceptionally, for students with severe and/or complex needs, a study programme to develop independent living skills may be appropriate. This would apply only to students for whom either substantial qualifications or preparation for employment are not, at this stage in their lives, a suitable option. The student’s EHC plan should confirm that independent living is their primary aim.


Qualifications

Your vocational or academic qualification will make up the main part of your programme.

You will be exploring your collections of A’level subjects or B’tech subject through practical work and theory.


English and Maths

It is the government’s wish that all young people achieve a minimum grade 4 (previous grade C) or higher mark in their Maths and English exams.
Colleges will help people who have not already achieved these results retake them again.

Those that have achieved the required grades or above will be supported to extended their subject knowledge to higher level.


Work experience

A minimum of 30 hours work experience will be included as part of a study programme.

Colleges will have links with organisations and employers that will help students find opportunities to meet this requirement. This may be full time over a few weeks or spread across your time at college.



Personal Social development

To enable all students to develop, formulate ideas, express opinions and achieve their potential they are supported to become independent and self-motivated learners. Students will be supported to continue developing an understanding of themselves and others through tutorials and learning about equality and diversity.

BTEC, City & Guilds and IMI Certificates/Diplomas

Technical Qualifications

Level 3 technical qualifications are equivalent to A levels and are recognised by employers.

They are for post-16 students wishing to specialise in a specific industry, occupation or technical role. They equip a student with specialist knowledge and skills, enabling entry to an apprenticeship or other employment, or progression to a related higher education course. In some cases, these qualifications provide a ‘licence to practise’ or exemption from professional exams.


Technical Certificates

Technical Certificates are Level 2 qualifications for post-16 students who would like to specialise in a specific industry, occupation or technical role where employers recognise entry at level 2. Technical Certificates also provide access to Tech Levels or an apprenticeship.


BTEC, City & Guilds and IMI Certificates and Diplomas

These are all courses with a vocational focus recommended for those interested in a particular area of study e.g. Performing Arts or Information Technology.

They can be classroom based, are continually assessed coursework based qualifications with very few or no exams.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas are delivered as two one year programmes:

  • Year 1 Subsidiary Diplomas
  • Year 2 Diploma / Extended Diploma

Students are expected to satisfactorily complete the subsidiary programme before being considered ready for a year 2 qualification.

Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship is a real job with training so you can earn while you learn and work towards recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. Training normally takes place in a mixture of a workplace and the College. In some cases, all training is provided in the workplace by visiting tutors.

As an apprentice you’ll:

  • work alongside experienced staff
  • gain job-specific skills
  • earn a wage and get holiday pay
  • get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week) in the work place


Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level. Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.
There are four levels of Apprenticeship:

  • Intermediate level. These are an equivalent educational level to GCSEs. 
  • Advanced level. These are an equivalent educational level to A levels. 
  • Higher level. These are an equivalent educational level to a Foundation degree and above. 
  • Degree level. These are an equivalent educational level to Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees. 

Good apprenticeships can be very popular and there may be lots of people applying for not many places.



How much do apprentices earn?

  • The amount you earn depends on the sector, region and apprenticeship level.
  • There is a minimum wage for apprentices if you are under 19 or in your first year of an apprenticeship but many pay above this minimum. 
  • Some Higher apprenticeships and Degree apprenticeships pay significantly more than the minimum wage. 

After the apprenticeship

Apprentices can move on to:

  • full time employment
  • a higher level apprenticeship
  • vocational or academic study, including university degrees.

Where to find more information, help and advice on Apprenticeships?

For more information on apprenticeship vacancies in your area visit the Government's Apprenticeships website here

Find information on apprenticeship opportunities offered by the London Borough of Hackney here.

Individual school websites may include information about apprenticeships they offer or can broker or (if the school has requested it) information can be found on the Hackney Education website jobs page

For help with searching or applying for apprenticeships see our careers services.

Live apprenticeship vacancies can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Disability Rights UK Into Apprenticeships Guide (PDF). 

A-levels, AS Levels and EPQs

Advanced level qualifications known as A levels

A levels are subject-based academic qualifications awarded for successfully completing two years of study. Students are encouraged to take three or four subjects in pathways.

To study an A level you traditionally need at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4/A* to C. Some subjects may require specific minimum grade or a Level 2/GCSE qualification
AS level. This refers to the first year of a full A-level.

They’re usually assessed by a series of examinations.

A Levels can lead onto Higher Education, further study, training, or work.


AS-levels 

AS-levels are equal to 40% of an A-level. For example, an A-level A grade is worth 48 UCAS points and an AS-level A grade is worth 20.

You can decide to continue an AS subject into your A2 year, which will provide you with the full A-level qualification.


EPQs (Extended Project Qualification)

An EPQ is a sixth-form qualification that involves students choosing a topic, carrying out research, creating a ‘product’ and report such as delivering a presentation.

The subject content of the Extended Project is not prescribed as it focuses on developing skills. The outcome of their project can be a design, performance, dissertation (written report) or artefact.

Students undertake their Extended Project in the context of a project topic they have selected, in agreement with the centre where they are studying.

EPQs help prepare you for managing independent research and project management, which are common features of university study and the world of work. The skills developed during an EPQ are based on 4 learning outcomes:

  • Managing a project
  • Using resources
  • Developing and realising a project
  • Reviewing the project

T - Levels

T-levels are a new, government-backed, career focused qualifications for 16- to 19-year olds. They’re equivalent to three A-levels and are also backed by hundreds of British businesses. They have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training or study.

T Levels focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.

T Levels are 2-year courses, which follow on from GCSEs. 

They are a mixture of classroom learning and industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days).

T Level courses include the following compulsory elements:
A technical qualification, which includes:

  • core theory, concepts and skills for an industry area
  • specialist skills and knowledge for an occupation or career
  • An industry placement with an employer

Students will also be required to work towards the attainment of Maths and English if they have not already achieved Grade 4 at these GCSEs. 

Find more information about T Levels here

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Access to Higer Education diplomas courses are accredited by the Open College Network London (OCNL) a national not-for-profit organisation that creates and awards qualifications.

OCNL work in partnership with educators, training providers, charities and employers to help transform people’s lives through learning. 

Courses are 1 year long and designed for adults who have previously missed opportunities to gain academic qualifications - you do not need specific qualifications to get onto a course but you must be 19 years or over at the start of the course and committed to studying hard.

Find informatiom about the Open College Network London here

Higher National Certificates NHCs, Higher National Diplomas and Foundation Degrees

Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas (HND) courses are Higher Education level / University level qualifications designed to help you develop specialist knowledge in your chosen field.

Most of NHD programmes are 2 years long. The curriculum may be planned so that after the first year you could be awarded a HNC. Some settings offer stand-alone HNCs, both part-time and full-time.


Foundation degrees are equivalent to the first 2 years of a Degree and combine vocational and academic study. These qualifications can lead to being accepted onto a "top-up" degree at a university.

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Page last modified: 10/10/2023