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After Year 11, you have a lot more choice about what you want to do.

Whichever route you choose, it pays to keep learning. More and more, employers are looking for people with higher level skills and qualifications.

Although qualifications cannot guarantee you a job, people with the right skills and qualifications have a better chance of finding a job with good prospects and more money. They may also have more job security.

Staying in full-time education

You’ll find a much wider range of subjects and qualifications than you’ve been able to choose from up until now.

As well as A levels, you can choose from a growing range of work-related qualifications. Selected schools and colleges are also offering the Diploma qualification for 14 to 19-year-olds.

Depending on what you want to study, you could decide to stay on at school, or go to a sixth form college, specialist college or further education college.

If you have a disability or learning difficulty, it’s also worth checking how your school or college could provide extra help to ensure that you are assessed fairly.

Learning at work

If you want to start work, it’s important to pick a job that offers you planned training leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

There are lots of ways to improve your skills and get qualifications, from Apprenticeships to the ‘Entry to Employment’ scheme. As an alternative, you may be entitled to ‘Time off for Study or Training’. Follow the links below to find out more about these and other options after 16.

Getting work experience

When you've finished your studies, you could consider taking time out before going on to higher education. Voluntary work, travel and working abroad can all be ways of gaining valuable experience.

Routes into university and higher education

By continuing with full-time learning or starting an Apprenticeship, you can take important steps towards qualifying for a higher education course.