Post 16 Information

Where next?

Leaving school is an exciting time but it can also be difficult to know what to do next. Doing your research and finding out as much information as you can about the opportunities available to you will help you to make a successful transition into life beyond school. 

What options do I have?

Students leaving school can continue to study a variety of academic or vocational courses at college or a sixth form or they can apply for an Apprenticeship. There is a requirement that all young people will remain in some form of education until they are 18 years old. The following information outlines some of the options available to you:

‘A’ Levels/AS Levels

A levels and AS levels are taught in a similar way, however, A levels are a more advanced qualification that will usually be delivered over 2 years (360 guided learning hours). A-level result will be based entirely on the exams you taken at the end of the course. AS levels are similar to the first year of an A-level course (180 guided learning hours) and are generally taught over 1 year. The new AS Levels (first teaching from September 2015) will be stand-alone qualifications in their own right. There will be one examination series each year, with the first assessment planned for June 2016.For specific details regarding the courses that you are interested in please contact the local colleges/sixth form providers. Alternatively you can speak to our careers advisor in school.Follow the link below for further details regarding A-Level and AS Level courses: 

http://www.brightknowledge.org/knowledge-bank/education-pathways/a-levels/a-and-as-levels-explained

Vocational Courses 

A-Levels and AS Levels are not suited to everyone. You may prefer to learn in a more practical way that will help you to gain real experience, skills and knowledge that will equip you to work in your chosen career. Vocational qualifications are designed to meet industry standards and as a result will prepare you for a real work environment. Vocational qualifications include BTEC’s, NVQ’s and Diploma’s.

Follow the link below for further details regarding vocational qualifications: 

http://www.careerpilot.org.uk/info/vocational-qualifications/what-are-vocational-qualificatio/ 

What else is available?

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are offered by employers and provided for you to train and learn how to do a specific job in industry. Although most time will be spent in the workplace gaining job-specific skills, you will also be supported (Usually a local College or Sixth Form provider) to build up your knowledge and qualifications.  

When completing an apprenticeship you will work for a real employer, earn a real salary and gain a real qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience.  

Follow the link below for further details regarding apprenticeships:

https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships

Where can I study?

Over the years The Grange School has developed very close relationships with a number of college and sixth form providers. It is important that you take some time to investigate what each institution can offer and how this will help you in your next steps in your education. Each will offer something different so we strongly recommend that you speak to and visit each of the post-16 providers in order for you to get a ‘feel’ for the environment and also to see what courses and enrichment activities they have on offer. Below are the contact details and website links for the main local providers in this area:  

Riverside College 
Kingsway
Widnes
WA8 7QQ
Tel: 0151 2572800
http://www.riversidecollege.ac.uk/  

Cronton Sixth Form College
Cronton Lane
Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 5WA
Tel: 0151 4241515
http://www.cronton.ac.uk/ 

Priestley College 
Loushers Ln
Warrington
Cheshire
WA4 6RD
Tel: 01925 633591
http://www.priestley.ac.uk/

Sir John Deane’s College 
Monarch Drive
Northwich
Cheshire
CW9 8AF
Tel: 01606 810020
http://www.sjd.ac.uk/
 
St Chad’s Sixth Form College
Grangeway 
Runcorn
Cheshire
Tel: 01928 564106
http://stchadssixthform.co.uk/
 
The Heath Sixth Form
Clifton Road
Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 4SY
Tel: 01928 576664
http://www.heathschool.org.uk/?page_id=1549
 

Upcoming dates for your diary:

• Riverside College Open Evenings – Wednesday 9th March and Thursday 16th June