Mount St Joseph

Catholic School

Guide to Post 16

The school promotes a wide variety of careers information through: 

  • Careers Advisor (on-site two days per week) 

  • Assemblies 

  • School website 

  • Displays around school 

  • Subject teachers 

  • Form tutors 

  • School newsletters 

Post 16 providers including Colleges, Apprenticeship providers, Training Providers and the Department for Work & Pensions are invited into school for Parents Evenings and Options Evening in years 9-11, to give students and parents the opportunity to explore post 16 options choices.   Additional support is also provided in Year 11 with regards to college applications, interview techniques and mock interviews with colleges/employers. 

Any opportunities offered to students from external providers that are careers related, will be shared directly with parents and students via various communication methods including social media platforms, email and via the fortnightly school newsletter. 

Options after leaving school 

A Levels 

A level qualifications are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training or work.  You can study 3 or more A Levels over 2 years.  You normally need at least 5 GCSEs (grades 9 to 4) and at least grade 5 in the specific subjects you want to study.  The specific requirements will vary across colleges so it is worth checking this out.  For more information, please see this link: Understand what A-levels are & what you can do with them (ucas.com) 

T Levels 

T Levels are two-year vocational qualifications, equivalent to 3 A Levels.  Time is split 80% classroom and 20% industry placement.   Industry placements are around 45-days.  These technical qualifications have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses to meet the needs of different industries.  For more information, please see this link T-Level-Parents-and-Carers-Guide.pdf 

 

BTECs 

BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications.  They combine practical learning with subject and theory content.  These qualifications are available from entry level through to professional qualifications at level 7 and cover 16 sectors. 

 

Higher Technical Qualifications 

Higher Technical qualifications are technical qualifications that have been developed by employers and awarding bodies and can be studied full time or part time.  HTQs are an alternative to apprenticeships or degrees and may suit you if you want a more practical, employer-led study programme.   For more information, see this link HTQ-Parent-leaflet.pdf 

 

Employment - www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk 

www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk 

 

Apprenticeships  

Apprenticeships are structured training programmes, which mix on-the-job training with classroom learning.  Apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.  For further information, please see the links below: 

Have a look at the websites below. They could be very helpful in helping you choose a career path. 

Useful Websites 

  1. Parent guide to post 16
  2. Apprenticeship Parent Carer Pack May 24