1. Stay on at your school or academy

Most schools and academies have a sixth form where pupils can progress on to higher level courses.

Advantages of staying at your school or academy could include:

• You stay in a very familiar environment so there is less disruption if you don’t want a change
• Often a very structured approach to learning which suits many students
• Often near to home, so no travel changes needed
• You may like school and want to stay with friends and teachers you know.

2. Go to further education college or sixth form college
 
Colleges are usually larger than schools and offer a wide range of courses to people of all ages.
 
Advantages of going to a college to continue learning could include:

• Work-related (vocational) courses usually have specialist industry standard facilities and teachers who have industry experience and links with local employers
• Strong focus on developing the skills and qualities you’ll need for employment
• Often a broad choice of A level subjects
• A change of scene to a more grown up environment that is a good stepping stone to university or working life and meeting new people.

3. Start an Apprenticeship

Advantages of finding an Apprenticeship job could include:

• You gain nationally recognised qualifications
• You are in a job so you get paid whilst you train
• Will suit you if you like learning on the job
• You carry on working on English and Maths skills, which employers look for
• Gets you working in your chosen career as soon as possible.

4. Look for work

If you are set on going out to work, it is advisable to look for a job with formal training to open up future progression options.

The advantages of work could include:

• You get paid
• Suits those who do not want to learn in school or college
• You gain real experience of the workplace
• Your training and qualifications will help you move forward to higher level job.