Your choices

Choices in education

These may include:

• a school sixth form where you'll probably know everyone - unless you join a sixth form in a different school
• a sixth form college where you'll meet students from other local schools
• a further education college with students of all ages, including adults
• a specialist college offering courses in specialist subject areas such as horticulture, creative arts, music and agriculture, as well as courses for students with specific, additional needs or disabilities.

Specialist colleges are often some distance from home and you could have to do a lot of travelling. You might even have to live in or near the college during the week in term time. Find out more at www.natspec.org.uk . Get information about financial support for residential courses at www.direct.gov.uk/extrahelp .

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Choices in training and work

These may include:

• an Apprenticeship, with on-the-job training and study to gain the qualifications you need for a specific job
• a job with training, where the employer organises the training
• a job with time off for study and training, where you organise training that will help you to gain a Level 2 qualification and improve your employment prospects
• a training programme to prepare you for work
• self-employment - very few people do this at the end of Year 11, so if this is your goal, get expert advice as soon as possible.

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