Options after sixth form or college

Entry requirements for apprenticeships vary, so check vacancies to see what qualifications, skills and experience may be required.

Once you’re 18, you don’t have to stay in learning if you don’t think that’s the right option for you. Some 6th form and college leavers find work at 18.

Many young people decide to take a gap year between 6th form / college and higher education. This is very common and a good way to gain skills, experience and independence.

To most people, ‘higher education’ means going to university to study a degree. However, it’s worth noting that many other institutions offer degree courses. These include colleges, conservatoires, drama schools, art colleges and more.

School leaver programmes are aimed at those finishing level 3 qualifications at college or sixth form. Like apprenticeships, they combine working with learning.

Student finance can be a complex topic. However, there is lots of help online.

Although there are inevitable costs involved, some countries have cheaper tuition fees than the UK and there are scholarships available for some countries, such as the USA. Check out your options

There are more options after 6th form or college than you might think. Find out what options are available to you