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Apply for everything that interests you.  Aim to have completed all your applications before the end of November in Y11.  This allows time to rethink should you need to.

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It's never too early to start thinking about your post-18 options!

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It's never too early to start thinking about your post-18 options!

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Year 12 goes by very quickly, so now that you know what you plan to do post-16, start to turn your thoughts to post-18 plans. You will all have a really long summer holiday this year and if you find yourself bored with an hour to spare, then take a look at some of your post-18 options.

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Growing Job Sectors in Greater Manchester

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Growing Job Sectors in Greater Manchester

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College or Sixth Form Interviews - Make sure you prepare

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College or Sixth Form Interviews - Make sure you prepare

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Once you've applied to a college, sixth form or apprenticeship provider, you'll be invited to interview.  This is a great chance to practice your interviewing skills for future jobs so make sure you use this Interview Prep Sheet to help you prepare for interview.  If you're really nervous talk to Miss Grenaghan, who can help and put your mind at ease!

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This is perfectly normal and all part of getting well informed.  Don't let the confused feeling overwhelm you, just stay positive, keep exploring, keep asking questions, make sure you attend tasterdays or new student days when offered to you.  Most young people naturally work out what they want to do by GCSE results day.

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"I know that family, friends, parents, teachers, anyone around a young person is gonna have an influence on them. And if someone tells you, 'Oh, I don't think you should do that,' or, 'You might not be good at that,' or, 'You might be more suited to this,' then people tend to follow that. But if you've got your mind set on something, then go for it. It's not even all about the academic side of things."

"Obviously, use the support systems around you, that's what they're there for. At the end of the day, it's your decision."

"It's you doing the course, you're the one that's gonna have to sit and do all the revision. You're the one that's gonna have to sit through all the lessons, the exam."

"My father, being quite a successful musician, always expected me to go down to music. And I think everyone that I met across my young life did, too."

"You know, on paper, because of my socioeconomic background, I can't do medicine, because medicine is dominated with people from, you know, upper class and educated backgrounds."

"STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. A lot of young girls are being put off a career in STEM. There was myself and it's actually my best friend at school really wanted to go into engineering, so we saw this opportunity come up, and we were like, 'Wow, let's go for it.' And it was just us two that applied. So, they saw that as a lack of student interest, and the course couldn't go ahead. So, that, kind of, made it quite tricky from the start to try and follow what I wanted to do."

"I always wanted to be something of my own. So, I found that and I know that I wanna go into literature or politics. So, I found a course of English Literature and Politics."

"I guess one of the best learning experiences that I had was my first job out of university, which was door-to-door sales, and I was working 60-hour weeks. Meeting all those different people and getting all those different perspectives was key and it was a really great experience for me."

"Have a role model so, you know, celebrity role model, whether it's your father or whether it's a friend, but someone who you can, you know, apply their characteristics or look up to their characteristics to yourself."

"Don't build a future that you're not happy with and you're not gonna be able to stay with it for the rest of your life. If you just go with something to please your parents, eventually, you're gonna get fed up and think, 'Why am I doing this when I don't even like it?'"

"The main thing that people normally say to me when they ask me what I do and I say I'm an engineer, they're like, 'Oh, you don't look like an engineer.' I just say, 'What does an engineer look like?'"

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The Mind Set coaches talk about making the right choice for them and forging their own path in life.

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Every college, sixth form and training provider is different.  It's your job to work out which one you like best by considering which will most meet your needs.  Firstly consider the ones closest to where you live because it makes life easier if you can walk or take a short bus ride every day.  Everyone is different and impressed by different things, so don't be guided by friends opinions, you should make up your own mind.

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If you know what career you want, research how to get in to it. Also contact Miss Grenaghan, the Careers Adviser.  Ask yourself if you will enjoy the journey of becoming what it is you're aiming for. If you don't think you will, then maybe this isn't the right career for you.

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When you are young it's important to reflect on who you are at least every 6 months because you are changing all the time. Use this quiz to help you do this. You should always spend time reflecting on you are, what you like and don't like before you start any careers research. This helps you to match yourself to the best opportunity for you.

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Free personality test - take it to find out why our readers say that this personality test is so accurate, "it's a little bit creepy." No registration required!

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On some applications you are asked to give information about yourself to support your application. This is what is called a personal statement, so use the link above to help you structure what to say about yourself.

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Writing about the course
Why are you applying for your chosen course(s)?
Explain why you want to do your chosen course(s). For example, someone who wanted to work with animals might write 'I would like to study a BTEC in animal care as I am passionate about looking after animals. I already look after two dogs and it will help me in my future career plans.'
Why does this course interest you?
You can write about anything you've read about the course(s) that you find interesting and would like to find out more about.
Why do you think you are suitable for the course(s)?
In this section, you can write about any experiences you have had that are related to the course(s), or any skills you've learnt that might help you. For example, if you have done any related volunteering or work experience, or if you have a part-time job such as babysitting, which shows more general strengths such as responsibility or commitment.
Do your current studies (e.g. GCSEs) relate to the course(s) you have chosen? If so, how?
You can let the provider know how much you enjoy a subject by writing about a course you have already studied that you found really interesting or you were good at.

Skills and achievements

Write about anything you have done that might help with your application.

1. Write about anything you are proud of passing, for example, grade 2 in piano, or being selected for a sports team.

2. Include any awards you have done, such as Duke of Edinburgh, or through ASDAN, for example.

3. You can add any positions of responsibility you have held, for example, being a prefect or helping with young students at school.

Hobbies and interests

Make a list of your hobbies, interests, and anything you do socially.

1. Think about how they show your skills and ability.

2. Try to link them to skills and experience you might need on your chosen course(s).

Work history

Include details of placements, work experience, voluntary work, or jobs, especially if it is relevant to your chosen course(s).

1. Try to show how this experience gave you new skills or made you think about your future plans, for example, things you really enjoyed or were good at.

2. Also include any part-time work you are still doing, like a Saturday job or babysitting.

Career plans

Use this section to tell the provider what you might like to do in the future as a career after completing the course. Explain how you would like to use the course(s) you have applied for to help you reach your goal.

Dos and don'ts when writing a personal statement

Do use your best English and check your spelling and grammar are correct.

Do be enthusiastic - if you show your interest in the course, it will help your application.

Do ask people that you trust, like your teacher/adviser or parent/carer to read through what you have written and give you feedback.

Don't exaggerate - you might be asked about what you have written if you attend an interview with the course provider.

Don't leave it until the last minute - it's a good idea to give yourself time to think about what you write to make sure you don't forget anything.

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How to write a personal statement for further education

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Here we'll help you think about your UCAS Progress personal statement and some useful dos and don'ts to be aware of when you write it.

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Apprenticeship interviews are much more competitive compared to full time college or sixth form interviews, so you need to prepare in depth! Use this video and links below to help you further!

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Remember you don't have to make a decision until GCSE results day!

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Remember you don't have to make a decision until GCSE results day!

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Remind yourself that you won't need to make any actual decision until GCSE results day, so why force yourself into a decision any earlier if you're not ready!  The new student days you attend in July help you work out what is right for you.  You can accept all your offers if you're unsure, and leave your final decision until GCSE results day.

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There are 4 providers within a 5 mile radius of Whitworth Community High School and these are Rochdale Sixth Form, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammer School Sixth Form, Hopwood Hall and Rochdale Training (Apprenticeship Provider).

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You're not alone, the majority of 16 years old haven't decided on a career yet.  In this situation you pursue what you know you will enjoy.  Successful people love what they do and the reason they are successful is because they feel motivated.  Make sure you study subjects you love.  Visit websites for the providers you are interested in and explore subjects.  Below are links to subjects pages for other popular/local providers judged Outstanding or Good by Ofsted.

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Now you know what personality type you are, make sure you read the full in-depth summary. Do you agree? If not maybe you didn't honestly answer the questions in the quiz and need to revisit.

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Extensive, research-backed profiles of 16 personality types: learn how different personalities approach romantic relationships, career choices, friendships, parenthood, and more.

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If that confused feeling is overwhelming you, make sure you ask for help by talking to someone.  Talk to a parent, teacher or other responsible adult.  Contact Miss Grenaghan, the Careers Adviser, and she can chat to you one to one.  You can also ring the National Careers Service helpline on 0800 100 900.

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Tell us whether you accept cookies We use cookies to collect information about how you use the National Careers Service. This information is used to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services.

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In normal circumstances, someone from our senior leadership team would visit your school and talk to you about RSFC and what we have to offer. Due to COVID-19 safety regulations, we are unable to do this so we have produced this short video for you to hear from staff and students about the college.

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At Bury College we have the right route for you. Depending on your talents, career ambitions and qualifications, you can choose to study one of four pathways su

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Holy Cross College is a coeducational Roman Catholic Sixth Form College, for students aged 16 and above, situated in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Originally founded by the Daughters of the Cross..

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Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Sixth Form

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Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Sixth Form

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Welcome! I am delighted that you are considering joining the Sixth Form at The Blue Coat School. If you are keen to become part of a positive, vibrant and high achieving establishment, where you will be encouraged to extend yourself and strive for excellence, then The Blue Coat School Sixth Form is…

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Apprenticeships We Deliver | Rochdale Training

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Many young people think that a college will find an employer for you if you want an apprenticeship. This isn't the case. You have to find the employer yourself. Sign up to this government website to find apprenticeship vacancies in your area.

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We've introduced a new way to find and apply for an apprenticeship in England.

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To find other places further afield use this government website.  Put in your post code and how many miles you're willing to travel, and then make sure you click 16-18 so you just get colleges/sixth forms.

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THE best ever results by Sixth Form students placed our school in the top 10 per cent of all sixth forms in the country.

At the awards' evening for the 'Class of 2012', Director of Sixth Form and Assistant Head Teacher Mr Heaton praised the students' achievements.

He said: "We had about 130 students in the class of 2012, many of whom have now gone on to university.

"It was a great year with our students achieving our best ever results, including the most ever A* to B grades."

Follow the link to read more
http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Lancashire/Rossendale/BB4/News/Local-News/239996-Sixth-Form-Among-Country's-Top-10-Per-Cent

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Sixth Form among country's top 10 per cent - Haslingden High School and Sixth Form

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THE best ever results by Sixth Form students placed our school in the top 10 per cent of all sixth forms in the country. At the awards' evening for the 'Class of 2012', Director of Sixth Form and Assistant Head Teacher Mr Heaton praised the students' achievements. He said: "We [...]

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Our courses cover almost every industry sector with supreme links with employers and experienced tutors, so we will have the right course or apprenticeship to fulfil. your ambitions on our exciting new campus.

Nobody can leave full-time education and never need to retrain, reskill or reinvent themselves. That's why we see learning as an escalator that you travel on throughout your working life, no matter what your age or ability level.

Each step sees you making gradual progress from learning vital basics through to technical and specialist skills, up to degree level and beyond.

Each step also offers new opportunities to renew or extend your skills and knowledge - and to move up the escalator while improving your career and salary prospects.

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Oldham College offers an extensive range of technical & professional qualifications in areas including digital and creative, performing arts and media, financial and professional services, sport, travel and public services, construction and the built environment, caring professions and retail and commercial.We work closely with employers to ensure we are providing courses and developing students in sectors that are relevant, growing and have lots of career opportunities.

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Vacancies Working at Burnley College Working at Burnley College - Graduates Term Dates Facilities Campus Map Governance Senior Management Policies, Procedures and Public Value Statement

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Barclays Life Skills has an interview practice tool where you can practice answering typical questions you might be asked by employers, along with lots of other ways to help you prepare for interview. If you're really unsure on what you're doing please speak to Miss Grenaghan.

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Department for Education Post-16 Choices Animation

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The pros and cons of Degree Apprenticeships

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If you've enjoyed school and studying GCSEs, you will most likely enjoy A Levels.  For certain careers like Doctor, Vet, Dentist you must study A Levels.  If you are considering Oxford or Cambridge University, you will also need to study A Levels. A Levels is the only route you can take where you can study 3 or 4 subjects together so it's a great route for keeping your option open a little longer.

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Short for Advanced Level, A-levels come after GCSEs. They usually focus on academic subjects, compared to vocational qualifications like BTECs and NVQs, which are more practical. There are more than 40 different A-level subjects on offer - some will be subjects that you studied at GCSE and others may be new.

A-levels are highly valued by employers and universities so they can open up lots of doors to further study and careers.

'A-levels are academic qualifications which open the door to study and careers'
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How do A-levels work?

You usually study three or more A-levels over two years, then

sit exams

Students choose which A-level subjects they want to study when they are doing their GCSEs, and admission is usually dependent on your GCSE grades.

You generally need at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9 / A*-C to be able to take A-level subjects. Sometimes you also need a 5 / B or above at GCSE in the subject you want to take at A-level. But this varies depending on the school or college you're going to so make sure you check this.

You usually study three or more A-levels over two years and they are assessed by a series of exams. You may also study AS-levels or vocational qualifications at the same time.

Where can I study A-level subjects?

You can study A-levels at school, sixth form or college. You don't need to stay at the school where you did your GCSEs. For more information have a look at our advice about options after GCSEs.

Most people study A-levels full-time but you can also study them part-time at some colleges.

What is the difference between an AS and A2?

AS levels are basically half an A-level - they give a broad understanding of a subject but not in as much detail.

AS levels and A-levels are now separate courses, unlike in the

old days when the AS was part of the A-level course

Until recently, they counted towards a full A-level. So you'd get the AS level at the end of Year 12 and the A2 (the full A-level) at the end of Year 13.

But this has now changed.

From 2015 (2016/2017 for some subjects), AS levels are standalone courses, taken alongside - rather than as part of - A-levels.

This means that they won't form part of an overall A-level grade. So you'll only take your AS exams at the end of your first year and you'll need to take all the exams for your A-levels at the end of the two-year course.

What does linear and modular course mean?

The new A-level will be linear, rather than modular. What does this mean? Well, you'll take all the exams at the end of the two-year course rather than being assessed after each module.

There may be a bit of coursework but the majority of assessment will be through the exams at the very end of your course. If the idea of exams makes you nervous, we've got you covered! Read our A-level revision guide to ace the exams.

Are A-levels right for me?

If you enjoy academic learning and want to study a broad range of subjects, they could be the perfect option for you.

A-levels help you keep your options open are are worth thinking

about if you know you want to go to university

If you're sure that you want to go to university then they are worth considering. They are valued by universities, and also employers. Some universities require A-levels for certain courses and they won't accept vocational qualifications.

They are good if you don't know what you want to study at university, or haven't pinned down your ideal career yet, because they keep a lot of options open.

A-level subjects are just one of many post-16 options and they are not for everyone.

If you already know exactly what career or trade you want to work in, you might find that a vocational qualification or apprenticeship is a better fit.

We know it's not easy to figure this out, so to help - we'll now take a look at the careers that you will need A-level subjects for.

Which careers require A-levels?

Some careers require you to have a degree, and you need to have certain A-levels to get a place on that degree.

Which? has put together a handy guide showing what A-levels you need for the degree you want to study. Some common ones are:

Veterinary science - biology and one or two subjects from chemistry, maths or physics.

Medicine - chemistry, biology and either maths or physics.

English - English literature.

Computer science - maths.

Dentistry - chemistry, biology and either maths or physics.

If you have a certain degree or career in mind, it's really important that you have a look at the entry requirements to those courses when choosing your A-level subjects so you don't find yourself in a dilemma when applying.

If you have no idea what you want to do next, then you're better off choosing a more general subject - read the next section to find out why.

Which A-levels give you the most options?

There are some A-levels that help you to keep your options open. These are known as facilitating subjects. They are:

The more of these you choose, the more university courses you will find are open to you when you start applying. So if you're not set on a particular degree or career, it's worth looking at these facilitating A-level subjects.

Some universities have a list of A-level subjects they prefer (to see an example, have a look at the University of Sheffield's). Some even actively discourage students from taking certain subjects.

How are A-levels different from GCSEs?

There's quite a big leap in difficulty level between GCSE and A-level. A subject that you thought you'd got your head around will suddenly become a lot more complex!

You'll be studying things in more detail and you'll probably find that your teacher or tutor expects a lot more independent study and engagement from you than they did at GCSE level.
A-levels are just one option. Check out our article on post-16 options to find out what you can do after your GCSEs.
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Short for Advanced Level, A-levels come after GCSEs. They usually focus on academic subjects, compared to vocational qualifications like BTECs and NVQs, which are more practical. There are more than 40 different A-level subjects on offer - some will be subjects that you studied at GCSE and others may be new.

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The most common vocational courses are BTECs and T Levels.  These are good if you have a general idea of what  career area you are aiming for but you still want to be a full time student while gaining lots of work experience.  You can still progress to university if you want to, but you'll develop lots of employability skills if you decide to enter the world of work instead. T Levels include lots of work experience and are in areas where there are skills shortages in the UK, so you should have good job opportunities studying T Levels.

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T Levels are in subject areas where there are currently skills shortages in the UK.  This means that there will be plenty of well paid job opportunities at the end of your studies, however, T Levels will still progress you onto university if this is what you want to do.  You also do a lot of work experience on a T Level!

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This is the most difficult route to take post-16 because you have to find an employer.  You also need to feel 'work ready' because you'll suddenly go from having 13 weeks holiday a year to just 5 weeks!  This route also involves applying for jobs, sending out your CV and attending job interviews while juggling your GCSE revision and exams.  However, you get paid a wage and can still progress to university where your employer will most likely pay for your degree tuition fees!

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Get advice from Miss Grenaghan if you are thinking of this route.  Your first step is to visit a recruitment office, and if you go unprepared for the questions they ask, you will be turned away and told to do more research before approaching them again.  16 is also very young to join, watch this balanced argument to help you reflect on whether 16 is the right age for you to join.

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Is 16 Too Young for the Army? | Good Morning Britain

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Lancashire Careers Information - Green and Low Carbon Opportunities Animation (Portal)

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Lancashire Careers Information - Digital & Creative Opportunities Animation (Portal)