Education options at 16
There are a number of learning options when you are 16 and over – whether that’s staying in sixth form, going to college, or getting to employment or training.
The National Careers Service provide a range of information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.
Continuing in learning
Staying on at school or sixth form
You may choose to continue your education at the school you currently attend if it has post-16 provision.
The school will already know what extra help you need and can continue to support you, but now following a post-16 curriculum.
Further education colleges and providers
There are many organisations in and around Hertfordshire who can offer training courses that can support you towards independence and employment and build on your skills and interests.
Adult learning
You might be able start a higher education course (degree level) at university if you achieve the required qualifications.
Extra support is available, which can include support such as flexible seminar times, support for study skills or access to specialist computer software.
Help with money whilst studying
If you need help with money whilst studying, there is a range of different bursaries, grants and financial help available.
16-19 Bursary Fund
You could get a bursary to help with education-related costs if you’re aged 16 to 19 to help with clothing, books and other equipment for your course.
University and college hardship fund
You could get extra money from your university or college if you’re experiencing financial hardship.
Disabled Students’ Allowances
You can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) to cover some of the extra costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Get help into employment and training
There are a number of supported routes into employment and training:
Supported internships
Supported internships are for those aged 16 — 24 with learning difficulties or learning disabilities, who want to get a job and need extra support to do this.
To be eligible you need an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan.
Traineeships
A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last up to six months.
You won’t be paid, but your employers can sometimes give you expenses for things like travel and meals.
Traineeships prepare you for future careers by helping you to become ready for work.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships mean you can earn a salary and gain a qualification at the same time. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
Find a job
Once you are 18 the is a range of information and support available if you want to find a job.
Got a question?
Get in touch with our friendly team.
01992 555847
Services for Young People
Youth work projects, information, advice, guidance, work-related learning and wider support for young people in Hertfordshire.
At Services for Young People (SfYP) Access Point Projects young people can access a wide range of services.
Other people to talk to
There are lots of people you can talk to – your parents, a trusted adult or one of the following:
Childline
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues. You can call them, talk to a counsellor online, send an email or post on the message boards.
Mental health helpline
Urgent and non-urgent help and advice, 24/7 for Hertfordshire residents. You can call or email them. Their website lists other help that’s available.
Kooth
An online mental wellbeing community that offers free, safe and anonymous support. You can read articles, join a discussion board, chat with the team or write in your own Daily Journal.
We created this area of the website with teenagers.