14 to 19 education

When you turn 14, there are a wide range of options available to you including GCSEs, Young Apprenticeships, Diplomas and Foundation Learning. Once you turn 16 you'll need to think about your options, such as staying in full-time education or training while you earn with work-based learning (apprenticeships).

Whatever your situation, you'll find plenty of help and advice.

School leavers – raising the participation age

Under new government legislation all young people will take part in education or training until:

• the age of 17 by 2013
• the age of 18 by 2015.

This means that young people currently in Years 7 and 8 will be among the first learners to be affected by this change.

Help with your options

The September Guarantee supports young people aged 16 and 17 in their transition into the next phase of their learning. Almost 190,000 16 to 18 year olds are neither working, studying or in training, and the September Guarantee aims to get these young people into education, employment and training.

The September Guarantee is an offer, by the end of September, of a place in learning to young people who have just completed year 11 or those in year 12 who have completed a one year course.

For advice on what to do next or choosing a course, talk to your teachers or the Connexions personal adviser at your school. You can also visit:

• DirectGov – 14 to 19 options
• Connexions careers advice – post-16 choices
• The Sussex Area Prospectus – all the courses in your area
• Apprenticeships – advice and local opportunities.
• Jobs and careers – ideas and advice about career choices, including career development loans and the national minimum wage
  

Further education

After 16 most young people go on to study at colleges, complete an apprenticeship or other vocational course. In addition to AS and A Level studies, there are many further education courses available at all levels, including a range of new Diplomas.

• DirectGov – Diplomas
• Connexions360 – financial help for further education
• Key Routes – how a Diploma can get you started on the career of your choice

Further education colleges

• Bexhill College
• Central Sussex College
• City College Brighton
• Hastings College
• Plumpton College
• Sussex Downs College

Higher education

Higher education is provided by universities and colleges that award academic degrees. Find out more about Higher education.

Getting financial help

Visit our new youth website, Connexions360:

• Connexions360 – Financial help for further education
• Connexions360 – Financial help for higher education