After Year 11, there are different ways to continue learning, develop skills and prepare for adulthood and employment.
The right option for you will depend on what you enjoy, how you like to learn, the qualifications you already have, the support you need and what you would like to do in the future.
You can continue in full-time education at a school sixth form, sixth-form college or further education college.
Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to take A levels, vocational or technical qualifications, T Levels, functional skills or a supported learning programme.
A levels are usually studied over two years and are available in a range of subjects. They can lead to university, higher education, an apprenticeship or employment.
Vocational qualifications combine learning with practical skills and are available at different levels. They cover a wide range of employment areas, such as construction, childcare, engineering, health and social care, IT, sport and hospitality.
T Levels are two-year technical qualifications for young people aged 16 to 19. They combine classroom learning with an industry placement of at least 45 days and are equivalent to three A levels.
Entry requirements vary, so it is important to check these with the school or college.
Some young people benefit from a programme that focuses on developing skills before moving to a higher-level course, apprenticeship or employment.
Supported learning programmes can include English and maths, communication, independent living, employability, personal development and preparation for adulthood.
The programme should be appropriate to your needs, abilities and aspirations and help you work towards a clear next step.
Some young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may need a specialist school or college.
Specialist settings can provide a more personalised learning environment and may offer specialist teaching, smaller teaching groups, therapeutic support, communication support, independent living skills and vocational learning.
Having an EHCP does not automatically mean that you need a specialist placement. Your individual needs, the provision in your EHCP and your aspirations will be considered when planning your next placement.
Training providers offer practical and work-related learning. This can be a good option if you prefer learning through practical activities or would like to develop skills for a particular type of work.
Programmes vary between providers but can combine vocational learning with English and maths, employability skills, personal development and work experience.
Some programmes are designed to help young people who are not yet ready for an apprenticeship or employment. They can help you build confidence, qualifications and practical skills before progressing to your next step.
An apprenticeship is a paid job with training. You work for an employer while developing the skills and knowledge required for the job and working towards a recognised qualification.
You will spend most of your time in the workplace and some of your time completing training related to your role.
Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 through to degree level. You must usually be aged 16 or over, live in England and no longer be in full-time education to start an apprenticeship. Individual employers may also have their own entry requirements.
If you have SEND, talk to the employer and training provider about any support or reasonable adjustments you may need.
A supported internship is an unpaid, work-based study programme for young people aged 16 to 24 who have an EHCP.
It is designed for young people who want to work but need additional support to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to move into paid employment.
You will spend most of your programme in a workplace. A supported internship includes a work placement of at least six months, support from a qualified job coach and a personalised study programme, which may include English and maths.
The main aim of a supported internship is paid employment. You may move into a job with your placement employer, find employment elsewhere or progress to further training or an apprenticeship.
If you need help choosing what to do next
Planning for your future should start early. If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), your EHCP reviews should help you think about what you would like to achieve as you prepare for adulthood.
This includes your plans for education and employment, independent living, health, friendships, relationships and being part of your community.
Choosing what to do after Year 11 can feel like a big decision, but you don't have to work it all out on your own.
Before choosing a provider, it can help to:
visit an open day or arrange a visit or taster session
find out what you will learn and what qualifications you could achieve
ask what SEND support is available
think about where the course could lead next
consider practical things such as accessibility, travel and any course-related costs
If you are considering a new school or college and it needs to be named in your EHCP, this will be considered through the statutory consultation and EHCP process.
The most important thing is to find an option that meets your needs, supports your aspirations and helps you move towards the future you want.
Talk to a career’s adviser
A careers adviser can help you think about what you enjoy, what you're good at and what you might like to do in the future.
Dudley Careers Service can help you explore education, training and employment options. If you have SEND, they can also help you think about the support you might need, how you will travel and the type of place where you feel most comfortable learning or working.
Your school or college can help you plan your next step. You could talk to your careers adviser, teacher, SENDCO or another member of staff you trust.
You don't need to know exactly what you want to do. They can help you explore your choices, visit different places and find out more about courses, training and jobs.
If you have an EHCP, your plans for the future should also be discussed as part of your EHCP reviews.
Get independent SEND advice
If you have SEND or an EHCP and you have questions about your rights, support or education, Dudley SENDIASS can help.
Their advice is free, confidential and impartial. Young people aged 16 to 25 can contact them directly, as well as parents and carers.
The National Careers Service can help you explore different careers and find out what qualifications or skills you might need. It also has information about your choices after Year 11.
If you're aged 13 or over, you can speak to a career’s adviser for advice about careers, jobs and training.
