If you want to stay in full-time education after Year 11 you have the choice of staying in the Sixth Form or going to College.
Money in the sixth form or college
- EMAs -
16 to 18 year olds in full-time education can now apply for a means tested Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) of up to £30 a week
- The local authority will pay your tuition fees if you start a course before your 19th birthday
- Your parents or carer will receive child benefit for you until your 19th birthday
Sixth Form
If your school has a sixth form you may be thinking of staying on. You will be in a familiar place with pupils and teachers who you already know. In the sixth form you will be expected to take more responsibility for yourself and set an example to younger pupils. You will usually continue to wear school uniform, but this may be different to that worn by the rest of the school.
Sixth forms offer a range of AS and A Level courses in subjects like History, French and Chemistry. Some also offer work-related subjects like Business Studies, Leisure and Tourism or Health and Social Care. Some schools also offer intermediate level courses and most also allow pupils to re-take GCSEs. Some schools have arrangements with other local schools or colleges so they are able to offer you a wider choice of course.
If you fancy studying in the sixth form but your school doesn't have one, you could transfer to another school if it's in travelling distance.
How do I find out more about the Sixth Form?
- Go along to the sixth form open evening
- Read the information about courses in the Sixth Form prospectus or look up courses on Courses in Wales
- Talk to your teachers about the subjects you are thinking of taking
- Talk to your Careers Adviser
- Talk to students who are already in the Sixth Form
College
You may fancy a change from school. There are two types of college, sixth form and further education (FE). Sixth Form colleges provide courses for students aged 16-19 and FE colleges offer courses for both young people and adults.
Colleges are usually bigger than schools and you will have the chance to meet new people and make new friends. In college you will be expected to take more responsibility for managing your own time, but there will still be help and support if you need it. You can usually wear casual clothes, but some courses may demand you wear certain clothing e.g. overalls or a college tracksuit.
Colleges offer a wide range of courses including AS and A Level courses and the chance to re-take GCSEs. The choice of work related courses, is usually greater than in school sixth forms.
How do I find out more about College?
- Visit the college on an open evening or open day
- Read college prospectuses, look at their websites or look up courses using Courses in Wales
- Talk to your Careers Adviser
Further information
Qualifications in the Sixth Form or College
Search for courses in the Sixth Form or College
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