Careers
Choices in Year 11
Qualifications and Skills
What you need to know
Your choices at the end of Year 11 fall into two main groups. You can continue in education or move into training and work.
To make sure you gain the skills you need for your future, a new law was introduced in November 2008 that will eventually make it compulsory for all young people up to the age of 18 to stay in education or training. From 2013, you will have to stay in education or training up to the age of 17 and by 2015 this will increase to the age of 18.
Choices in education may include:
- School sixth form
- Sixth form college
- Further education college
- Specialist college
Choices in training and work may include:
- An Apprenticeship
- A job with training
- A job
- A training programme that prepares you for work
- Self-employment
- Volunteering with training
Before you choose one of these options, you should think about how you learn and work best, what makes you happy and what you want from life. Being clear about these things will help you to choose an option that will suit, interest and motivate you.
What you can do
- Visit the 'It's Your Choice' website at www.connexions-direct.com/itsyourchoice/ for information about how to start making those important decisions
- Think about what you want to do after year 11 and what qualifications you will need to do it
- If you want to do a specific degree at university, find out which A levels you will need
- If you want to start work after school, find out which qualifications you will need to do the job you're interested in
- Find out which qualifications are offered at the school or college you are planning to attend by reading prospectuses and attending open days
