In England a child can leave school on the last Friday in June, as long as they will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays. Once they have left, there are 3 main pathways:
- stay in full-time education
- start an apprenticeship
- spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, alongside part-time education or training
In full-time education, you can study subjects, a more practical and knowledge-based course or more technical or vocational studies
Some careers may require specific qualifications, so it’s best to keep this in mind when making decisions.
Your full time education options include:
- A levels at sixth form college, further education college or a University Technical College
- Vocational Technical Qualifications (VTQ), Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) or Cambridge technical
- T Levels at a further education college
You can look through all of your training options, and get further help and advice on the Skills for Careers website.
If you did not get the results you expected or need, you still have options and there is plenty of support available. You can get advice and support if you want to resit an exam.
Apprenticeships combine work with training and study. You can apply for an apprenticeship when you’re still at school. You earn a wage, gain a qualification and experience. In some cases, you may be offered a job at the end of your apprenticeship.
You can find out more about apprenticeships on the Skills for Careers website.
You must stay in education or training until you turn 18 years old. You can combine this with volunteering or working to gain experience and a wage.
Volunteering
Volunteering after leaving school can help you to gain valuable skills and experience that look great on your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or university application and help you decide if that industry or role is right for you.
There are also some opportunities to earn a qualification whilst volunteering.
Read more about volunteering to see if it's right for you.
Part-time work
Working part-time whilst studying or training can help you to earn money and work towards your qualifications.
As well as a wage, you’ll gain real-life experience of the workplace and see if that type of work would suit you.
Options for young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
The Next steps guide on Surrey's Local Offer website has lots of information about post-16 options for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The guidance is designed to take you through the different post-16 education options and to help you think about what route might be most suitable and how to apply.
You should also follow the guidance provided by your Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan Coordination Officer, formerly know as a Special Educational Needs (SEND) Case Officer, and undertake your own independent research.
More information and support
Read our common questions about leaving school.
You may be eligible for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. This can help you pay for things like books, travel or equipment if you struggle with education or training costs for your chosen path.
Visit the National Careers Service website.