Choices after year 11
Young people must stay in education or training until they are 18. It's free if you start before you turn 18.
The three main choices are:
Making your choice
There are lots of choices and it can be confusing.
Before you decide, think about:
the subjects you like
your interests and future goals
the type of learning and tests you like
whether you want to go to university or get a job
the grades you need for the course you want to do
If you don't get the GCSE grades you hoped for, don't worry. There are still options for you. Talk to different schools, colleges and training providers about what they offer.
These are just ideas to help you decide. There are no right or wrong answers. Aim high and challenge yourself - you never know what you can achieve.
If you change your mind about what you want to do, that's okay. It's normal! Knowing all your options helps you to make a good choice.
You and your family can do things to help you decide, like:
visit schools, colleges and training providers to see what they offer
go to taster sessions and open events
look at their websites and read their brochures
check their results on the Department for Education's performance tables
think about how you'll get there and if you can get any help towards the cost of travel
Don't forget, you can get advice from your school's careers lead.
If you want to talk to someone outside of your school, you can contact the Youth Futures Team. They can help you with your options and plans. They are know a lot about different courses and providers. You can email them at youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk.
Tracking participation
Lancashire County Council needs to know what 16 and 17 year olds living in the county are doing. This is to make sure they are in education, employment or training.
To do this, we need your correct contact details.
For more information or to tell us what you are doing, please email post16participation@lancashire.gov.uk.