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A new UK Government took office on 11 May.
As a result the content on this site may not reflect current Government policy.
All statutory guidance and legislation published on this site continues to reflect the current legal position unless indicated otherwise.
To view the new Department for Education website, please go to http://www.education.gov.uk

Education

How to help your teenager

If your teenager is considering full-time education, it is important to look around and think about all the options on offer. Remember that your teenager can apply to several schools or colleges.

  • Make time to go to open days and information events, and meet staff who might be teaching your teenager.
  • Encourage your teenager to take part in visits and taster sessions.
  • Use the local online 14-19 prospectus to find out exactly what is available locally and how the Common Application Process works.
  • Ask your teenager what they have enjoyed most over the last two years and see what courses and qualifications are available in those areas. Discuss how each option could help them in the future, and whether the learning styles and assessment methods will suit them and help them to succeed.
  • Look at different schools and colleges and their learning environments. Find out what is on offer in the way of clubs and other extra-curricular opportunities.
  • Check transport links if the school or college your teenager is considering is some distance from home.

Where to study

Where your teenager learns can be as important to their success as what they learn. Their choices include:

  • Further education and specialist colleges - These cater for large numbers of students and usually offer a wide choice of courses and qualifications. Some colleges may specialise in a particular subject area.
  • School sixth form - Even if your teenager's present school has a sixth form, they can switch to another school. Different schools offer different combinations of Diploma and AS/A Level subjects. Some allow students to retake important GCSEs like English and mathematics.
  • Sixth form colleges - These usually offer a wide range of Diploma and AS/A Level subjects. They may also offer vocational programmes and allow students to retake important GCSEs. They usually take students from a wide range of schools in the area.

What to study

Your teenager's choices include:

AS and A Levels

  • Most courses take two years. Many people study three or four AS Levels in the first year then choose to continue with three A2s in the second year to make full A Levels.
  • A Levels are split into units and each unit is assessed separately through a mix of internal assessment and examinations. Most subjects have four units.
  • There are around 80 subjects to choose from, including some with a work-related focus. These are called Applied A Levels and are available in single and double awards - the latter is equivalent to two A Levels.
  • Students wishing to develop the wider skills that higher education courses demand can take the Extended Project qualification.
  • AS/A Levels prepare students for higher education and employment. They are useful whatever your teenager plans to do next.

Personalised pathways

Schools and colleges may offer a personalised programme to teenagers who need a bit more time to build their confidence and gain basic qualifications. All programmes include functional skills, work-related courses and personal and social development courses. On completion of their programme, your teenager may be able to study for more qualifications, get a job with training, do an Apprenticeship or prepare for supported employment and/or independent living.

The Diploma

Use your local online 14-19 prospectus to see which Diploma subjects your teenager can study locally. If your teenager gains a Foundation or Higher Diploma at school, they can move to the next level of Diploma - Higher, Advanced or Progression. The Advanced Diploma is equivalent to 3.5 A Levels. The shorter Progression Diploma is equivalent to 2.5 A Levels. They can also study subject-based qualifications such as AS/A Level or apply for an Advanced Apprenticeship or a job with training.

For more information on Diplomas see What's available?

Vocational programmes

If your teenager has a career in mind they may want to consider broad work-related qualifications such as BTEC First Diplomas and NVQs at Levels 1 to 3. Some are offered in school sixth forms, but the majority are available in further education colleges.

What next?

Find out about work-based options

Tool kit

Hot tip

Whatever your teenager has achieved in school, there is a post-16 learning route to suit them. And they are guaranteed an offer of a suitable place in learning under the September Guarantee. Ask your teenager's school for more information.

Quote

"Better qualifications bring improved job prospects, higher earnings and greater job satisfaction."