Staying in Education until You’re 18
All young people are now required to stay in education or training until they are 18. Essentially this is to ensure that all young people continue to study and have the same opportunities to progress their learning.
A common misconception is that young people must remain in their current school setting for two further years, after their GCSEs. This is not the case.
Young people now have the opportunity to remain in education until they are 18. This means you actually have much more choice in deciding on the best route for you.
You can shape your own education and training opportunities to suit your skills and aspirations to achieve the best possible outcome.
This includes training such as apprenticeship or vocational courses (such as BTECs). Both qualify as remaining in education until you are 18. Apprenticeships and vocational courses also offer you the opportunity to go to university or to start a career.
Study Programmes are high quality learning programmes for 16 to 18 years olds. They provide the best opportunity to move onto higher-level courses or into employment and are tailored to you.
Example 1: A typical level 2 study programme is 550 to 600 hours. Entrants are yet to achieve grade 4 and above GCSE in English and maths.
Example 2: A typical level 3 study programme is 550 to 600 hours. Entrants have achieved grade 4 and above GCSE in English and maths.
The importance of maths and English
We know what you are thinking…
“I want to be a musician, not a mathematician”, “I’m going to study beauty not English”, “College is about training to be a mechanic, not studying equations.” We know.
But it’s important. It’s not just us that are saying this. If you are under 18 and haven’t achieved a grace 4 (C) in maths and English, then you must continue with these subjects after you have enrolled on your course. Some day soon you will want to make sure your pay packet/salary is correct, that you are charging the right amount to your customers, that you are achieving that best deal for your next purchase. It’s all maths.
Or: You might want to submit a job application, write a report for work, send in a written quote for a job. Who knows? But English is important too.
Here’s how we make maths and English achievable:
1. It’s part of your study programme – so you won’t be expected to do additional study.
2. Our maths and English team are experts at making the impossible possible.
3. We want you to succeed just as much as you. We will be your personal maths and English Support Network.
Experience the working world
Work experience is an essential part of all study programmes, no matter what you are studying.
It is essential for two reasons. Firstly, because industry experience teaches you about the profession you’re joining. Secondly, it gives context to the topics you are studying and demonstrates these principles when they are put into practice.
There is no better way to get a real view of your chosen professional field than by completing work experience.
The volume of work experience will vary according to your course. Generally, you will be required to participate in work experience opportunities for approximately 18-40 hours over a year.
Some courses such as childcare may require more hours of work experience. We have a fantastic team of Work Experience Coordinators. They will help you find a placement that’s right for you. They work closely with our curriculum areas and employers.
If you have a family friend or relative who is able to help you to find your own work experience placement, then please chat to your curriculum staff.
At Leicester College we believe that age should not be a barrier to education. Whether you are wanting to enhance your career prospects, learn a new skill or simply study a subject you love, we give you the opportunity to do just that.
There’s 30,000 learners of all ages and backgrounds studying at Leicester College, and we are committed to promoting equality and diversity.
The reward of learning at Leicester College is a new qualification or training to add to your CV. The most obvious advantage to this is that it will help you find a job. There are other bonuses too: you’ll meet new people who share your interests; you will explore new possibilities and opportunities; and new points of view will open up to you.