A guide for young people, parents, carers and professionals to moving from school to post 16 education, training and employment.
We are very pleased to have produced a Post 16 Transition Toolkit. This guide is aimed at anyone supporting the transition of young people from school into post 16 education, training and employment including schools, academies and other education training establishments as well as parents and carers.
We know that this transition can be crucial to the long-term employability of individuals, but can be difficult to navigate. Choosing a pathway, moving into new environments and taking on a more adult role in their progress can be challenging for young people. We hope this toolkit can help guide young people to choose future education and employment pathways and prepare them for the transition into the new destinations.
This guide will help schools, parents/carers and other professionals to manage the post 16 transition process and support the needs of all the young people in their care.
There is a wide variety of options and pathways to choose to suit the needs, abilities and aspirations of all young people. It is common for young people not to know what pathway they want to take. This toolkit provides the information to help them make informed choices and explore them.
It is important to remember that 16 to 19 year olds get 3 years of funding to complete their post 16 education. Those with EHCP’s get funding up to 25 years old. This can give them extra time to meet entry criteria for aspirational pathways or explore more than one option. Young people and schools can access wider support from the careers hub and the post 16 providers themselves.
We look forward to hearing from your feedback. We hope to review and update this guide as we need, so please let us know if you have any suggestions that you would like to share. The Toolkit has been written by BHCC Education and Skills in partnership with the 16-19 Pastoral and Wellbeing forum and wider stakeholders such as Amaze and the careers hub.
If you have any queries, send an email to SkillsandEmployment@brighton-hove.gov.uk
This phrase includes all the possible pathways available to young people when they leave school in year 11. This includes:
It includes all programmes that start before they are 19. Young people may turn 19 before the programme finishes. Any programme that starts after their 19th birthday will be considered adult education.
There are 9 qualification levels from entry level (pre-GCSE) to level 8 (doctorate level).
These courses teach practical skills and knowledge for a particular area of employment.
Intermediate, advanced higher and degree apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job skills training with off-the-job learning. Training will be relevant to the job and a salary is paid to the apprentice.
Any organisation that provides education or training to young people such as:
This refers to any method of assessing the progress of a young person on their pathway. This might include exams, coursework assignments, practical demonstration, observations, presentations and much more.
Financial help with education-related costs such as clothing, books, transport and food in order to complete the course successfully.
Most providers will have a person with this title who you can discuss any concerns about the needs of a young person. Smaller providers may have another named person who leads on SEND.
Children and young people can get an education, health and care (EHC) plan only if they are under 25 years of age, have complex needs and difficulties and can’t get the help they need with SEN support.
YES Employability Advisers give free, impartial careers information, advice, guidance and support with finding the right college course, apprenticeship, training or job for young people who are:
At the end of year 11, young people will move onto post 16 options. There are three broad choices for them when they have completed their GCSEs:
Moving on to study full-time with a:
Starting an apprenticeship or traineeship with a:
Working or volunteering full-time with part-time study or training with a:
Part-time education or training alongside full-time work must be at least 280 planned qualification hours per year and lead to relevant regulated qualifications.
There is a lot to consider when making a choice about what a young person will do next. They need to think about:
There is a lot to consider when making a choice about what a young person will do as a career. They need to think about which area of work they are interested in going into.
The key sectors that provide job opportunities to thousands of people, across the UK and beyond, are:
You can get more information about these sectors from the National Careers Service.
To study or train at a particular level young people will need to meet entry requirements before they start. Below are common requirements.
Each college, provider and course is different so please do some research and speak to the provider if you are unsure if you will meet the criteria It is important to remember that 16 to 19 year olds get three years of funding to complete their post 16 education (up to 25 if they have an EHCP)
Exploring new pathways, abilities and areas of interest may require a sideways move - for example, starting a completely new subject or sector area.
Post 16 education and training can be completed across 4 levels:
What you need to have to start at this level: Nothing - just an interest in the subject
Qualifications that count as entry level:
Each entry level qualification is available at three sub-levels: 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult.
What you need to start at this level:
Qualifications that count as level 1:
What you need to start at this level:
Qualifications that count as level 2:
What you need to start at this level:
Qualifications that count as level 3:
Advanced level academic qualifications. Young people can carry on studying subjects they took for GCSE or pick new ones. Three varied subjects can be chosen to keep options open or tailor them to a specific career aspiration.
2 years
Mostly exams at the end of the course
3
Typically 5 GCSEs Grade 9 to 4 (usually including English and maths)
Your school or college may offer short periods of work experience, usually during year 12.
Designed in partnership with employers to give young peeple the skills and knowledge to get on in the workplace. They include a combination of classroom learning with real work placements. 1 T Level is the equivalent of 3 A levels.
2 years
Exams, projects and practical assignments
3
Course dependent
At least 45 days on industry placement
These courses teach practical skills and knowledge for a particular area of employment. They can prepare young people for a broad employment sector, like engineering or travel and tourism, or for a specific job like a chef or a hairdresser.
Qualifications which teach you how to do tasks specifically related to the industry and role you want to be involved in.
To find out more peak to your local college or training provider or talk to an adviser.
1 or more years
Can include coursework, skills tests and exams
1+
Course dependent
You’ll learn in real situations in college, for example in a college restaurant or a salon that is open to the public. You may also have the chance to go out on a work placement with an employer
Qualifications that give a broad overview of working in a specific sector, like business, media, engineering, leisure or science and technology. A mix of classroom-based learning with the chance to get some practical skills.
Course dependent
Course dependent (coursework and exams)
3
Course dependent
Course dependent
Intermediate, advanced higher and degree apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job skills training with off-the-job learning. Training will be is relevant to the job and a salary is paid to the apprentice. Young people can start at a level to suit them, with support if needed.
A minimum of 1 year
Exams, projects and practical assignments
Dependent on the industry, job role and apprenticeship level
80% of time is spent in the workplace and 20% with some study in a college or training centre
Supported internships are for young people with learning difficulties or learning disabilities, who need extra support to get a job.
A minimum of 6 months
Aged 16 to 24 with an Education Health and Care Plan
GCSE English and maths
Most of the time is spent on placements with an employer, learning skills for work. Support will also be provided from a tutor and a job coach.
These are known as ‘certificates’ or ‘awards’ and are open to anyone interested in gaining a recognised qualification. They are available in over 100 subjects and can help you build skills, increase your knowledge and boost confidence.
Course dependant
There are no entry requirements
GCSE English and maths
FE colleges, workplace, community and residential or day care settings
205 Dyke Rd, Hove BN3 6EG
They offer:
BN1 Studios, Vantage Point, New England Rd, Brighton BN1 4GW
They offer:
1A Pelham St, Brighton BN1 4FA and
Wilson Ave, Brighton BN2 5PB
They offer:
Go to Brighton Metropoltan College's website.
Victoria House, 125 Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3WB
They offer:
Mountfield Rd, Lewes BN7 2XH
They offer:
Go to East Sussex College's website.
Ditchling Road, Lewes BN7 3AE
They offer:
Go to Plumpton College's website.
47 Cromwell Rd, Hove BN3 3ER
They offer:
Ash Cottage, Warren Rd, Woodingdean BN2 6DA
They offer:
Go to Sutton and District Training's website.
Surrenden Rd, Brighton BN1 6WQ
They offer:
17 Walpole Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0AF
For autistic young people aged 16 to 25 years, they offer:
Go to the St John's College website.
Surrenden Road, Brighton BN1 6WQ
A special school for children who have significant learning difficulties aged 16 to 19 years, Pupils follow a curriculum based around core skills which supports them to prepare for adulthood and independence.
They offer:
Go to Downs link College's website.
7 Old London Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 8XR
They offer:
Go to the life skills college website.
5-7 Preston Road, Brighton BN1 4QE
They offer:
During year 10 and 11 students are entitled to careers advice from a qualified advisor. If this is not automatically provided for them, please ask a teacher
If you have an idea of which pathway you are interested in contact the college, provider or employer to discuss how you can get onto the course or programme.
Young people should have conversations with as many people as they can about the work they do and the journey they have made. Students should use any work experience opportunities to speak with people who may be working in an area they are interested in.
The National Careers service provide careers information, advice and guidance. Find out how they can help you make decisions at all stages in your career.
What Next Sussex includes resources, events and live chat to help make choices at every turning point in your education and training.
Get career confident with What Next Sussex.
Amaze offers careers advice services for young people with SEND.
Many young people do not know what they want to do. In a the modern labour market people don’t necessarily stay in the same sector over their whole working lives. Choices at post 16 do not have to be final and life long. It is possible to change career direction at any time.
However, all knowledge, skills and experience gained during this time can contribute to a successful life of employment and progression. If young people have plans to progress onto level 4 to 8 qualifications including higher apprenticeships, undergraduate study (university) or higher technical qualifications, it is important to get advice about the qualifications they need to take at post 16 that will meet the requirements for higher level programmes.
You should ask:
And encourage the young person to:
Ensure Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) annual reviews (autumn term) include the aspirations and possible pathways for each young person.
Think whether the young person need adjustments in a post 16 setting? How will they articulate what their needs are?
Produce a one page profile to use for applications,
You should encourage the young person to:
You should encourage the young person to:
You should encourage the young person to:
In August they'll get their GCSE/Vocational results, which means they'll need to:
Final results for GCSE and other level 1 and 2 qualifications completed by learners between 14 and 16 years old will be made available to students on the fourth Thursday in August – usually from their school from 8am.
Students will receive a Candidate Statement of Provisional Results. Certificates are awarded in the autumn once re-marks and appeals have been processed.
If students or teachers believe a mistake has been made with the marking or administration of the exam they have a short window within which they can appeal a grade. Contact the school/provider who issued the results to start this process.
Students can request a GCSE remark up to 30 days after results day. Remarking one exam paper costs around £35 and takes about 3 weeks. Grades might get raised – but also lowered. Contact the school/provider who issued the results to discuss the value of a re-mark.
Students can retake English language and maths GCSEs in November. For other subjects, students will have to wait for the next summer series. Entries for November resits are in early October. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to take functional skills qualifications instead.
If you are under 18 and have not achieved a 4 or above in Maths or English you will have to resit them along with any other qualifications you are working towards. Young people with EHCPs could be exempt from the English and maths requirement. Check with colleges if functional skills could be accepted.
Speak to your first choice sixth form or college. They might:
You could:
Some T Levels and vocational technical qualifications (VTQs) have different entry requirements to A Levels. These are high-quality, career focussed options that will help get the skills to progress in the area you’re interested in.
There are many apprenticeship vacancies in the city, with a wide range of roles. Apprenticeships up to level 3 offer salaries are up to £22k a year. This can be higher above level 3.
Apprentices:
Entry requirements vary depending on the employer, training provider and level of the apprenticeship. Some apprenticeships will require English and maths GCSEs, others will include training in the English or maths skills needed.
Career starter apprenticeships are available in a range of exciting industries, such as engineering, teaching, healthcare and digital.
Find out more about career starter apprenticeships.
The Youth Employability Team within Brighton & Hove City Council can offer qualified, tailored careers guidance and support.
Post 16 education and training is quite different from school. It is an exciting time of change. Young people will be dealing with lots of new experiences such making new friends and adapting to a new place of study or workplace.
Young people will have more freedom and choice about when and how they study and work. They will also be expected to take more responsibility for the progress they make.
Parents and carers will be less involved in the day-to-day life of their young person – but their support can have a positive impact. Parents and carers should get in touch with the college or provider and ask to be included if they have concerns about their young person. Some young people will find this challenging – particularly at the start.
Below are some common challenges and advice.
Post 16 education and training pathways usually involve some ‘free’ time. It is normal that ‘contact’ or lesson time time will be about 16 hours a week. Hours outside of this might be study periods or study days.
Young people are expected to use this time to study independently, carry out research or practice practical skills taught. To be successful in final exams/assessments it is recommended to include 15 hours a week of independent activity.
For some young people they may have to juggle this with other commitments such as paid employment, family life or extra-curricular activities.
Young people will need to be disciplined in planning their time, using diaries, checking email messages and recording tasks they need to complete. If they struggle with this, they can seek support from their college or employer. Do seek support early before a young person feels overwhelmed with these new responsibilities.
Study skills and approach to learning
It’s important that young people develop the skills they need be successful at the pathways they have chosen. This can be things like:
The skills needed and approaches necessary should be made explicit by the course tutors, teachers and mentors. If a young person is feeling unsure of what is expected or is struggling to meet these expectations, they should tell those people. Many colleges have staff specifically to support and coach young people in these areas.
SEND young people should have specific support as part of their programme, such as:
If a young person is not receiving the support that they need – especially if it has been agreed as part of an EHCP – seek support through the SEND department. Amaze can also help to negotiate the support needed.
Those aged 16 to 19 studying at a school, college or on a training course, may get a bursary to help with education-related costs. These are things like:
Young people can apply through the school, college or training provider. Ask student services or a tutor to explain the procedure. Students can apply once they know where they will study or train, so they get their bursary as soon as possible.
Development Awards are available to help young people anywhere achieve their goals and move into education, training or employment. It is for those who are unemployed or working less than 16 hours per week with financial barriers. They can cover the following:
The average award is between £140 and £160. This can increase to a max of £500 as each case is assessed individually.
Find out more about the Development Award Programme.
A benefit to help young parents aged under 20 to go back to college. It is a weekly amount of £160 per child and provides help with the cost of:
They must be aged under 20 when starting the course, and the childcare must be Ofsted registered. Claiming C2L won’t affect your family’s benefits.
Find out more about Care to Learn.
Your Child Benefit stops on 31 August on or after your child’s 16th birthday if they leave education or training. It continues if they stay in approved education or training, but you must tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
You’ll be sent a letter in your child’s last year at school asking you to confirm their plans. When approved education or training ends payments will stop at the end of February, 31 May, 31 August or 30 November (whichever comes first).
You could apply for an extension of the Child Benefit for 20 weeks after your child leaves approved education or training and registers with their local careers service or signs up to join the armed forces.
Find out more about Child Benefit.
Universal Credit payments may include an amount to help with the costs of looking after dependent children who you have the main responsibility for up until they are 16.
You may get the extra child amount for children aged 16 to 19 if they are attending or enrolled in full-time, non-advanced education or on approved training. If they are not in education or training, you will not get the extra child amount.
All young people need to make plans for their future. Planning helps to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families through the process of planning for adulthood.
All young people with SEND should get support from school in preparing for adulthood but there should be an extra focus on this if they have an Education, Health and Care Plan. If your child has an EHCP, planning for the future starts at age 13 (Year 9) and should:
From year 9 onwards annual reviews of EHCP’s should have a focus on transition planning and should involve appropriate health, social and education professionals. This may be referred to as the Transition Review and allows sufficient time to start thinking and planning for their future options.
Find more support and information.
If a young person with additional needs is considering options for a new college or provider you should:
If your provider repeatedly refuses support they might not be meeting the requirements of the Equality Act. In this instance you should contact the SENDIASS advice line
Secondary schools and post-16 settings should work together to for a positive transition and to pre-organise the SEND support. SEND young people without an EHCP will not have their information automatically passed to the new setting. They will need to disclose information to ensure support. This includes any access arrangements for assessments.
Ensure there is a transition meeting between the school and college provider to discuss the arrangements and to share information about the young person’s needs in good time. Professionals who support the young person from school, social or health care should be at this meeting. Transition information should include:
Extra transition support might include:
Travel arrangements should be made in advance and application for support be made by at least May before the new provision starts.
The EHCP phase transfer review is a statutory document that must be completed by 31 March of year 11. For both EHCPs and additional needs plans the young person themselves should lead on the conversation at this stage where possible.
Get further information and guidance from Amaze.
Things to consider include:
Many young people face challenges once they are a few weeks or months into their new course/training/employment. Reasons include:
There is support available within colleges, providers and beyond. Settings will have strategies to identify challenges young people face and resources to support them. In larger colleges young people can reach out to:
There are a variety of organisations offering external support, including:
There are also many other services available - find out about other support services for young people.
As soon as possible, speak to a teacher, tutor, mentor, parent, carer or get in touch with a relevant organisations above.
Although unsettling, some issues might be easy to fix - for example a change of course, group or tutor at the same college.
If a young person is not able to continue there will always be another pathway. The YES team can support when this happens.
Some young people will leave college or training before completing the course. If a young person is aged 16 to 18, not in education, employment or training and living in Brighton & Hove they can access free careers and employability support from the Youth Employability Service (YES). If young people are facing additional barriers, it maybe possible to access this support until the age of 25.
Parents and carers are able to attend with the young person for support. Our YES Employability Advisers give free, impartial careers information, advice, guidance and support with finding the right college course, apprenticeship, training or job.
You will be allocated a qualified careers adviser who will be with you until you find the right opportunity, it may include support with:
YES have strong relationships with organisations offering volunteering opportunities, employers, training providers and schools and colleges. Our Advisers can help young people to achieve AQA Unit Awards in a range of subjects to help to prepare for education or employment.
YES work closely with the Supported Employment Team and can help young people access help with issues including housing and wellbeing through groups like the YMCA Youth Advice Centre.
To contact YES:
Between 16 and 18 a young person must be in education, training, work-based learning or part time work or volunteering while in part-time education or training.
By law, young workers must not work more than 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. They must get a 30-minute break if they work longer than 4.5 hours and 12 hours’ rest in any 24-hour period.
The legal requirement to participate in education and training is on the young person - not the parent or carer.
Enforcement does not form part of the current law. The local authority has a duty to track those who are not participating and offer support through the YES service.
If a young person is looking for employment alongside their studies or as part of a career plan we provide osme suggestions below:
For jobs in the NHS including health care assistants, admin, cleaning, catering in local hospitals go to:
Check supermarket websites for current vacancies which could include checkouts, online picking, stock work or delivery driving.
Volunteering can benefit young people in a number of ways. It helps build confidence and ambition and prepares young people for the world of work. There are a many suitable volunteering opportunities in Brighton & Hove:
A Community Works and Brighton and Hove City Council project which is the local one-stop-shop for information on volunteering:
Search for volunteering opportunities locally and abroad.
A platform supporting creative, inclusive and meaningful volunteering opportunities in arts, heritage, and sports organisations. You can also earn digital badges.
Explore a career in community services and join the team at Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust. Open to people aged over 16.