Q. Want to move to another school, sixth-form or FE college after Year 11?

A. If they offer the next level or type of qualification you want, that’s no problem, provided you meet their entry requirements.

Q. Keen to change subjects?

A. Not a problem – you don’t have to start higher education qualifications with GCSEs or A Levels. Lots of young people climb up the qualification ladder through vocational courses at college and/ or work-based training.

Q. Starting up the ladder with vocational qualifications?

A. You don’t have to stick with the same subject to move up to the next level of qualification. Quite often all you’ll need to have is a certain level of qualification, but it can be in any subject.

Q. Want to study part or full-time?

A. All colleges and most universities can offer you a range of options.

Q. Or study through distance learning?

A. You could study through the Open University or National Extension College. Distance learning is open to all students, often with no qualification entry, and with concessions for those on low-incomes. 50% of Open University students are under 25. For more information please visit:

www.open.ac.uk
www.nec.ac.uk

Q. How do I know which qualification will suit me?

A. If you don’t know exactly what’s right for you, colleges have course advisers to explain their courses to you.

Q. How will they know what’s right for me?

A. They’ll find out what qualifications you have or expect to get, and ask you what your work and learning aims are.

Q. My school says my GCSEs aren’t good enough for me to stay on at school.

A. Further education colleges offer lots of different courses, at all sorts of levels, and they don’t always ask for the same number or level of GCSEs as schools.

Q. I’m on an Apprenticeship – does that count me out of higher education?

A. No. The highest level of Apprenticeship you can reach is the Advanced. You could go on to a Foundation Degree, a Higher National Certificate / Diploma or professional qualifications.

Q. I don’t know about any qualifications, apart from GCSEs.

A. That’s ok – click here to find out more.

Q. I want to go to work but still get some qualifications

A. You’ll need to check that either your employer will release you for a part-time course or that you can make time to study after work.

Q. What’s the difference between academic and vocational qualifications?

A. GCSEs and A Levels are seen as developing academic skills while vocational qualifications are about learning skills for work or to improve your work. But remember that people with academic qualifications sometimes also need a vocational qualification too to get a job!

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) start at level 1 (basic learning skills) and extend up to level 5. General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) teach general skills in a vocational area – at foundation, intermediate and advanced levels. First Diplomas are more work skill specific than GNVQs and lead to National and Higher National Diplomas and Certificates. For more information, take a look at our way ahead guide.

Q. What about students with additional needs?

A. Depending on your needs, schools, colleges or universities should be able to offer you: access to rooms or the flexibility to change rooms to suit you; dyslexia testing and support; IT support or loan of laptop; additional time for exams; personal mentoring and advice with financial help.

All colleges and universities have open days throughout the year. These are open to all and useful for finding out what’s being offered. Their prospectuses should have details of the support they offer and who to contact.

You can also contact their registrations or admissions offices throughout the year. Look at the college or university web site you are interested in to find their contact details.

Q. How can I gain more qualifications while at work?

A. You can return to train or study whenever you want but it’s worth remembering that most courses are free until you’re nineteen.

Q. Can I combine work with training?

A. Yes. Apprenticeships, evening classes and distance learning let you work and learn and lead to a wide range of higher education qualifications.

Q. What’s a day release course?

A. This is when your employer agrees to you taking time off each week to study for a course, often at a local college. Ask your employer or Connexions for more details.

Q. Can I afford to stay on in education after 16?

A. This is something you probably need to discuss with your parents / guardians.

There is help for you from the Government, the Educational Maintenance Allowance of £30 a week, if your family earns below £30,000 a year and you want to stay on at school or go to a further education college.

• www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema

From 2006 students of higher education qualifications (like Degrees, Foundation Degrees and BTEC Higher National Diplomas) don’t have to pay the course fees up front so you won’t have to find a large amount of money to start on a higher education course.

You can get loans towards your living costs, even if you study part-time. Like the course fees these loans don’t have to be paid back until you have finished your course and are earning more than £15,000.

Many students have part-time jobs to help them enjoy a social life outside college whether they are studying for further and higher education.

Q. Have other needs?

A. Whether you use a wheelchair or are dyslexic, have a hearing impediment or mental or physical health problems, you still have the right to study for higher education qualifications.