Post-16 education, training and employment

All education for 16 to 19 year olds is delivered as a 'study programme', which brings together the help that they need to get a job and live independently.

Study programmes include qualifications, work experience, and life skills.

English and Maths are considered 'core' skills.

If the young person hasn't achieved a GCSE grade C/4 in these subjects, they will need to continue them as part of their study programme. This may be as a GCSE or as a Functional Skills qualification.

Young people can generally access free full time education from ages 16 to 18 (finishing by age 19), or up to age 25 if they have an EHCP.

The focus of a study programme

All study programmes must have a 'core aim', or focus, which should reflect what the young person wants to do when they leave school or college.

This can be:

• A work-based qualification, such as a BTEC or NVQ to prepare for work
• Work experience, which can be used to gain vocational qualifications by demonstrating work-based skills
• An academic qualification, such as A levels
• Supported internships and traineeships (study programmes that have work experience as their core aim)
• An apprenticeship (a job that includes training)

What qualifications are needed

The qualifications the young person will need for a study programme will vary, and will depend on the education setting or programme they attend.

The qualification the young person is hoping to achieve should be at a higher level than they currently have.