Full-time education
School sixth form, a sixth-form college or a further-education college — studying A-levels, T Levels, BTECs or another full-time course.
Your Routes
Every path you can take after school, explained in plain English — from the day you're allowed to leave, to GCSE options, A-level options, apprenticeships and the qualifications behind them all.
One page, every route
There's no single right way to build a career — there are lots of routes, and they all lead somewhere real. This page sets them out side by side, so you can pick the one that suits you (and change direction later if you want to). No jargon, no dead ends.
How long do you have to stay at school?
In England, you can leave school at the end of Year 11 — the last Friday in June of your GCSE year. But that doesn't mean education stops there. The law says everyone must stay in education or training until they turn 18.
That doesn't have to mean staying in a classroom. It just means being in one of these three things until your 18th birthday:
An apprenticeship or traineeship
A real job with training built in — you earn a wage from day one and work towards a recognised qualification.
Work or volunteering plus part-time training
Work or volunteer 20 hours or more a week, alongside part-time education or training that leads to an approved qualification.
What can I do after my GCSEs?
Finishing your GCSEs is the first big fork in the road. Every one of these routes can lead to a career — they just get you there in different ways, and nothing stops you moving between them later on.
Sixth form & A-levels
Stay on at a school sixth form or sixth-form college and study three or four A-levels. Best if you enjoy academic work and are thinking about university.
College & vocational courses
A further-education college offers BTECs, NVQs and other hands-on courses in everything from construction to childcare — usually more practical, coursework-based learning.
T Levels
Two-year technical courses that mix classroom learning with a 45-day industry placement with a real employer. One T Level is worth the same UCAS points as three A-levels.
An apprenticeship
Start working straight away for a real employer — earning a wage and studying towards a qualification, typically four days at work and one day learning.
A traineeship
A short course (from six weeks to six months) with work experience plus English and maths, designed to get you ready for an apprenticeship or a job.
What can I do after my A-levels?
Turning 18 with A-levels (or the equivalent) opens even more doors — and university is only one of them:
University
Degrees in hundreds of subjects, applied for through UCAS. Tuition is covered by a student loan you only start repaying once you're earning above the threshold.
Higher & degree apprenticeships
A genuine alternative to uni — work full-time for an employer while studying towards a foundation degree or full bachelor's, with tuition paid and a wage on top.
Employment with training
Go straight into a job and build qualifications on the job — from professional certificates to structured management and technical training.
Gap year & other paths
Travel, work, volunteer or resit exams. Plenty of young people take a year out before applying to university, an apprenticeship or a job.
Apprenticeships, explained
An apprenticeship is a real job with training. You're employed by a business, earn a wage from day one, and spend around 20% of your time — at least six hours a week — learning away from your normal role, at a college, a training provider or online.
At the end, you walk away with a nationally recognised qualification and real work experience on your CV.
They take between one and five years depending on the level. Entry requirements vary by role — some ask for specific GCSE grades, others just the right attitude and a willingness to learn. You apply directly to employers, through vacancy sites, employer websites and the government's Find an Apprenticeship service.
Apprenticeships exist at four levels, from GCSE-equivalent up to a full degree — so there's a starting point whatever your grades:
Intermediate apprenticeship
The starting level, equivalent to five good GCSE passes. A great way to get a foot in the door in a trade or industry and work up from there.
Advanced apprenticeship
Equivalent to two or three A-level passes. The most common level for school and college leavers entering a skilled career.
Higher apprenticeship
Equivalent to a foundation degree or HND, usually studied while working in a technical or supervisory role.
Degree apprenticeship
A full bachelor's or master's degree earned while working — tuition paid for, and you're on a wage the whole time.
Industries & qualifications
Every industry has its own ladder of qualifications — and several of the sectors below are big employers right across South Holland & The Deepings. Find one that interests you, then look for its qualifications when you're choosing courses:
Agriculture, food & land
NVQ, Level 2–5 diplomasFarming, food production and land management — a big local employer, from hands-on roles to agri-tech.
Construction & trades
NVQ, City & GuildsBricklaying, plumbing, electrics, carpentry — learn on the tools and qualify as you go.
Engineering & manufacturing
T Level, HNC/HNDMechanical, electrical and food engineering — a clear ladder from apprentice to engineer.
Health & social care
T Level, Care CertificateNursing, care work and support roles — a growing sector that always needs people.
Digital & IT
T Level, Level 3+ apprenticeshipsSoftware, cyber security, data and IT support — one of the fastest-growing apprenticeship routes.
Business, admin & finance
AAT, ILM, Level 3–5 apprenticeshipsAccounting, HR, marketing and office careers — earn qualifications while you work.
Retail, hospitality & catering
NVQ, hospitality apprenticeshipsShop floors, front of house, professional kitchens and hotel management.
Creative & digital media
Level 3–5 apprenticeshipsDesign, content, photography and marketing — employers hire for skills as much as grades.
Education & early years
T Level, Level 2–3 diplomasTeaching assistant and childcare careers, with routes all the way into teaching.
Animal care & veterinary
Level 2–3 diplomasAnimal welfare, grooming, equine and vet nursing roles — popular locally.
Logistics, transport & warehousing
Driver CPC, Level 2–5Driving, distribution and supply-chain careers — a major employer in the fens.
Public & uniformed services
Level 3+ entry routesPolice, fire, armed forces and civil service — direct entry at 18, with training and a salary.
See where a route could take you
Real businesses across South Holland & The Deepings are already offering work experience — and first jobs are coming to the site soon. Have a look at what's out there.