After GCSEs: your options

In England you have to stay in some form of education or training until you are 18, but that does not mean staying at school. Here are the main routes and how they compare.

You must keep learning until 18

You can leave school on the last Friday in June, as long as you will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays, but you must stay in education or training until you turn 18. [1]
Your main choices are: full-time study (such as A levels, T Levels or vocational courses), an apprenticeship, or working or volunteering 20 hours or more a week alongside part-time education or training. [1]

A levels

A levels are an academic choice, often a good fit if you enjoyed studying for your GCSEs. [2]
You can take A levels at a school sixth form, sixth form college, further education college or University Technical College. [1]

T Levels and vocational courses

T Levels are 2-year courses taken after GCSEs, broadly equal in size to 3 A levels. [3]
Every T Level includes an industry placement with an employer of at least 315 hours, about 45 days. [3]
T Levels earn UCAS points if you later apply to university. For example, a Distinction* is worth 168 points. [3]
T Levels suit students who already know their broad career area. You usually study them at a further education college. [3]
Other vocational and technical qualifications include BTECs and Cambridge Technicals. [1]

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are real jobs that combine work with training and study, and you earn a wage while you train. [1]
You can start an apprenticeship from 16 and there is no upper age limit. You can apply while you are still at school. [2]
Apprenticeship levels: Intermediate (level 2, equal to GCSE), Advanced (level 3, equal to A level), Higher (levels 4 to 7, foundation degree or above) and Degree (levels 6 and 7, bachelor's or master's degree). [4]
Register early: vacancies starting in the autumn are advertised first. [2]

Applying and entry requirements

After you apply to a college, it sends you information about next steps. You may be asked to bring predicted grades to enrolment or take an assessment to check you are on the right level. If you hear nothing, contact the college directly. [2]
Entry requirements vary by school, college and course, so check each one's website or ask your school careers adviser. [2]
Research which qualifications the career you are interested in needs before you choose. [1]
If you do not have grade 4 or above in English and maths, you will keep studying them as part of your post-16 course. [5]

Sources

Checked 23 October 2026. Rules and dates change each year, so check with your school too. GCSE-ready is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson, JCQ, Ofqual or the Department for Education.