Post-16 Education
It is compulsory for young people to be in education or training until the age of 18, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay in school if it isn’t right for you.
There are plenty of different routes to go down when you turn 16, whether that’s joining your school’s sixth form or going to college to do A Levels or a vocational course like a T Level, or starting to earn while learning as an apprentice.
In and around Bedford there are many options you can take:
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Further Education colleges provide a range of courses suitable for students of all abilities and interests. Most colleges will also offer specialist entry level supported learning courses that focus on developing basic skills and life skills.
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There are a number of settings where you can join a sixth form: Bedford Academy, Sharnbrook Academy Sixth Form, Kimberley Sixth Form College, The Bedford Sixth Form, Biddenham Sixth Form, Mark Rutherford School, St Thomas More Sixth Form, Kempston Challenger Academy
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An apprenticeship might be something you are interested in and the council run Jobs Hub can help you with this.
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If you prefer to go somewhere you will receive more one-to-one support after Year 11 then Bedford Borough post 16 education support team can help you.
The Education Hub created by the Department for Education can talk you through your post-16 options, from school and college, to apprenticeships and supported internships.
Parentkind have all the information you need to help your parents understand the post 16 school system and what options there are for you.