16+ what next? advice and resources at 16

Welcome to 16+ helping you decide your future

students Don't worry if you still haven't decided what you want to do when you leave school, most people don't make up their minds for several years. Even if you think you know what you want to do you can't always be certain things will work out for you. It is good to have some idea of where you want to go in your career but remember it is good practice to have a back-up incase things don't go your way.

However, you will soon need to make your next choice after year 11. There are lots of options open to you, so think carefully before making that choice. See opposite for more

You have three main options:

continue with your education
start a vocational course (job based learning)
work based training or get a job

Important notes to remember:

start thinking carefully about your options as soon as possible - don't leave them until the last minute!
seek help from teachers and careers adviser
be realistic about the GCSE grades you are likely to achieve
have a alternative plan to fall back on, in case your first choice doesn't work out

Key skills:
Whichever option you choose, the development of your key skills will play a important part, as, increasingly, employers are demanding them. The six key skills are communication, application of number, ICT, Problem solving, working with others and improving your own learning and performance. They are already part of GNVQ and work work based training programmes; assessment for communication, application of number and ICT skills is also being introduced for those taking AS and A-levels.