Skills Launchpad Plymouth
Your choices at 16 years old
So what are your choices at 16 years old?
Following GCSEs there are a lot of options to think about before making the right choice for you. You’re expected to stay in education or in some recognised form of employment with training until you’re 18 but this doesn’t have to be at school.
Find out more about all of your options by viewing the YouTube video and refer to the handy guide below.
Click the guide to view a full-sized version
Youth Card - app for 11-25 year olds
WHAT IS YOUTH CARD?
Youth Card is a free mobile app that provides a one-stop shop for 11-25-year-olds for self-led discovery of educational, career and personal development opportunities in a safe environment.
Youth Card is uniquely placed to help your students by offering:
- Free access to UK-wide work experience placements and workshops with leading employers, including: Spotify, Bentley Motors, bp, Google, NHS, Virgin Atlantic, The Financial Times, Santander and the BBC.
- Free access to UK-wide financial and enterprise programmes.
- Free access to a UK-wide network of 7,000 youth organisations.
- Free access to inspiring podcasts, broadcasts and short films by heads of industry and high-profile speakers like:
- Free access to a wide range of youth-friendly discounted services in the UK and Europe.
What qualification levels and pathways mean
https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
Thinking ahead - advice for navigating your way to University or College
https://nextstepssw.ac.uk/resources/category/year-11/
Post16 Bursaries available
What a bursary is for
A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like:
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clothing, books and other equipment for your course
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transport and lunch on days you study or train
If you’re aged 16 to 19
You could get a bursary to help with education-related costs if you:
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study at a publicly funded school or college in England - not a university
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are on a training course, including unpaid work experience
A publicly funded school is one that does not charge you for attending it.
What you'll get
There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursary:
- a bursary for students in vulnerable groups
- a discretionary bursary
Bursary for students in vulnerable groups
You could get a bursary worth up to £1,200, depending on your circumstances and benefits.
Discretionary bursary
You could get a discretionary bursary if you need financial help but do not qualify for a bursary for students in vulnerable groups. Your education or training provider decides how much you get and what it’s used for
How can I find further details?
Colleges and schools can provide advice on the process to apply for funding.
Student guide to Post16 qualification results 2021
We understand how unsettling the last few months may have been for you, since schools, colleges and other providers were closed to many and exams were cancelled.
This guide should help you understand how results have been awarded this year and where to find more information.
Useful links to support choosing your next steps at 16 years old with Skills Launchpad Plymouth
Your Post 16 Choices and opportunities available in Plymouth
What's your next move here in Plymouth? Compare your options after GCSE.
Useful Parents' and Carers' Information Pack
It has been a challenging time for schools, students, you as parents and carers, and the school community, and we want to support you in helping your child to prepare for their next steps.
Skills Launchpad Plymouth: Apprenticeship Vacancy Bulletin - August 2021