Options at 16

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Options at 16

The main options at 16 for home educated young people are:

  • Continuing in home education
  • Vocational course at college
  • Academic course at college
  • Job
  • Self-employment
  • Apprenticeship
  • Traineeship

Young workers

In England the school leaving age is still the last Friday in June for the year the young person turns 16.

However, the ‘participation age’ has been raised to 18 and young people are now expected to continue in education or training, although this is not legally enforced (that is, neither the young person nor the parent can be prosecuted).

It is legal for an employer to take on a full-time young worker over compulsory school age, but it should be borne in mind that the National Minimum Wage for under 18s is less than £4 an hour. Employers are not legally bound to train young employees or give time off for college.

Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit

Child Benefit and Tax Credit are payable for 16+ home education. You need to make a new application for 16+ benefits, as it won’t continue automatically. I am happy to help with filling in the forms*.

Studying at college

College places are funded for students up to age 19. For applicants who have standard qualifications (5 x A to C grade GCSEs/IGCSEs) it is straightforward to get on to an A Level course at college.

College applicants without GCSEs/IGCSEs who want to do academic qualifications will have to negotiate on an individual basis and make a good case.

If you are planning a catch-up year at college for GCSEs, be aware that not many colleges routinely offer GCSEs, and they may not have a wide range of subjects. If you don’t already have maths and English qualifications, then these will have to be part of your course at 16, but equally the college might ask you to go away and come back when you have the necesssary exams.

A levels and university applications

For the most popular courses at the top-ranking traditional universities it is still the case that you need exceptional qualities and excellent A Level grades.

It is trickier and more expensive to do A Levels at home than to do the pre-16 exams, so most home educated young people do go to college at 16.

It will help your application to college if you have a portfolio and have done some volunteering or work experience or have practical expertise.

Apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships are another option at 16 but these are quite competitive. Paid apprenticeships combine on the job training with study. There is a national apprenticeship scheme where you can search for an apprenticeship near you.  You can apply as soon as you are 16, provided you have the relevant qualifications.

Sometimes when people talk about apprenticeships they might be thinking of a traineeship. Traineeship requirements are not as stringent, although you must also be 16. A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last up to six months.

Help from the Prince’s Trust

For young people without qualifications, the Prince’s Trust can help with grants for course fees, travel and equipment
https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/get-funding-train-learn

The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme may also be able to help with self-employment, but do check the age restrictions.
https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/support-starting-business

Planning ahead

It’s worth taking a step back and considering what might make you sound interesting or stand out from the crowd when a potential employer or university interviewer is looking through piles of applications. You could think about doing a Duke of Edinburgh award, volunteering, or setting up your own business. 16+ Child Benefit and Tax Credits are not affected by young people doing part-time work.

Volunteering can be a good way to meet new people and to learn new skills. For a young person who doesn’t have the structure of formal exams or college, volunteering can give a shape and purpose to the week. You can start by doing something familiar and then branch out as you gain more confidence. For example, young people who are quiet around people they don’t know might opt to start volunteering to work with animals.

If you are planning to go to university it is worth keeping an eye on the UCAS website and talking to their advisors. The ‘clearing’ route can lead to a better place than the grades might suggest. Most people say that the personal statement is very important. Try to go to as many university open days as possible, make personal contact, and make the universities want to help you.

The other option is to wait and work first and go to university as a mature student.

Here are some useful links from my website
http://edyourself.org/articles/exams.php
http://edyourself.org/articles/14-16collegeFAQ.php
http://edyourself.org/articles/claimbenefitspost16s.php
http://edyourself.org/articles/leavingage.php

Fiona Nicholson
fiona@edyourself.org

*If you would like help with Child Benefit and Tax Credit applications, contact Fiona by email at the above address or use the Subscribers’ contact form here

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