What is Post-16 education?
After Year 11, young people must stay in education or training until age 18. There are several pathways available to suit different interests and abilities. These options help young people develop the qualifications, skills and experience needed for employment or higher education. If you are aged 16-18 and applying for a full-time programme, then you will not have to pay for your course. If you are aged 19+ then there may be a fee for your course.
Where you are and where you want to go:
School or college
Entry level
- ESOL Functional Skills
Level 1
- GCSE grades 1 to 3
- BTEC Firsts
- Level 1 ESOL
Level 2
- GCSE grades 4 to 9
- BTEC Firsts
- Level 2 ESOL
Level 3
- A level
- BTEC Nationals
- T-Levels
- Advanced Apprenticeship
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
University
Level 4
- Undergraduate degree (BA or BSc)
- Foundation degree
- Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Level 5
- Undergraduate degree (BA or BSc)
- Foundation degree
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
Level 6
- Undergraduate degree (BA or BSc)
Level 7
- Masters degree
Level 8
- Doctorate PhD
Post-16 pathways (Level 2)
Level 2 courses are the equivalent in level as GCSEs grades 9 to 4.
Examples:
- Level 2 BTEC
- vocational qualifications
- Apprenticeships
- NVQ Level 2
Level 2 courses are for learners who want to gain practical skills in a trade or vocation before moving on to Level 3 courses or employment.
Post-16 pathways (Level 3)
A Levels
What are they?
Advanced qualifications in specific subjects.
Duration:
Two years.
Entry requirements:
Five GCSEs at grades 5 to 8, including English and Maths.
Benefits:
Recognised academic qualification and can lead to university or employment
BTECs
What are they?
Vocational qualifications in a variety of subjects. E.g. Business, Health and Social Care, IT, Engineering, Sport, Design.
Duration:
One to 2 years.
Benefits:
Recognised for admission to Higher Education.
Entry requirements:
Varies.
T-Levels
What are they?
Technical qualifications that combine college with a 45-day work placement.
Duration:
Two years.
Entry requirements:
Five GCSEs at grade 4, including English & Maths.
Benefits:
Academic knowledge and practical skills.
Apprenticeship
What are they?
Qualifications that combine practical work experience with formal training.
Duration:
One to 3 years.
Benefits:
You get paid on the job while studying and working.
Entry requirements:
Varies. Some apprenticeships may require 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above.
Entry requirements
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above
- some 6th forms/colleges would accept a grade 3 in GCSE Maths, English, Science with the possibility for students to re-take these exams in the first year
- to study A Levels, a grade 6 or above in GCSE English, Maths, Science
Where should I apply and why?
To help with your decision, please think of the following:
- consider your interests and hobbies
- consider your dreams and aspirations for the future
- consider subjects that you enjoy studying
- think about different ways to achieve your targets
- have a Plan B
- continuing with Post 16 education can: enhance career opportunity, give you the knowledge to pursue your dream job, higher earning potential, social and personal growth, etc.
Links to Post 16 providers in Coventry
Level 2 Courses
ESOL Youth Programme | Coventry College [https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/qWTwCGZLYimQ9LPhKfRfBt3TQ?domain=coventrycollege.ac.uk]
Students work towards various levels of Skills for Life qualifications. You will improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in English, as well as your confidence using the language. You will study English in real-life situations and teaching methods will include individual work, group work, pair work, surveys, role plays, discussions and presentations. Maths is also included as an integral part of the course with the view to take Functional Skills exam in maths. Students also undertake work experience preparing them for the future employment and are expected to complete independent learning each week. You will be able to progress to the next level of ESOL or if your language skills are strong enough, you may be able to join a vocational course at Coventry College.
Route 2 Cardinal Wiseman Foundation Programme [https://cardinalwiseman.coventry.sch.uk/foundation-programme/] enrolment form.
The Route 2 Success Pathway for Post 16 is a unique programme designed to support newly arriving students to the country with a range of prior educational experience. In particular, students may be at the early acquisition stage to learning the English language. The courses include: English, a modern language, mathematics, science and ICT. This curriculum provides a programme of foundation courses designed to support progression to further study at either level 2 or level 3
Subjects - Lyng Hall School [https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/fzI8CKOPYSlGkrYt3imf5_ke_?domain=lynghallschool.co.uk]
A level 2 bridging programme for students who are sixth form age but not yet ready for Level 3 study. These students are full members of the sixth form and follow a set pathway e.g. English, maths, Music technology and Sports Science.
Route2 - King Edward VI College [https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ErmrCLgQYCAZ2Ygcms0fyhhZu?domain=ke6n.ac.uk]
Students enrolled onto Route2 can enhance their level two qualification portfolio in preparation for progressing to level 3 study. The programme consists of 4 subjects including a resit of Maths and/or English. Every student completed a Higher Project qualification which is aimed at improving academic study skills.
Route 2: Emmaus Foundation Programme - Trinity Catholic School [https://www.tcs.magnificat.org.uk/post-16/welcome-to-the-emmaus-foundation-programme]: The courses offered include Mathematics, English Language, ICT, PSHE and PE. Additionally, students whose English proficiency allows them to engage without language barriers have the option to join Year 10 GCSE classes and follow a 2-year GCSE course to exams. This curriculum incorporates Functional Skills exams at different levels and other learning opportunities to facilitate students' academic progression and preparation for life.
Help with the application process and Post-16 choices
EMAS team will be delivering in person the following sessions:
- Careers Information Session for resettlement pupils - 7 October 2025, 5:30pm to 7pm, Barr’s Hill School CV1 4BU
- Post-16 Choices for Year 11 pupils (9 December 2025, 4pm to 6pm at Room 1.2 One Friargate, CV1 2GN
These sessions are designed to support Year 11 students with the application process and provide information on the Post-16 pathways available with different Post-16 education providers in the city. We hope Year 11 students will leave these sessions feeling confident, informed and better prepared to take the next step in their education journey.