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Post-16 Options

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A-Levels

• Most similar to GCSEs in terms of delivery style and assessment processes. Two years of study culminating in summer exams at the end of year 13.
• Provide a broad education, which keeps future options open. Follow the link to see the range of A-Levels offered at All Hallows.
• It is important to give careful thought as to how the choice of A-Levels complement each other, as well as looking further ahead to see if any areas of interest require certain combinations of subjects.
• When looking ahead to explore options post A-Levels, it is crucial to note that passing grades for A-Level run from A*- E. Simply taking an A -Level in a subject doesn’t guarantee As and Bs.
• A-Levels can be taken alongside other qualifications such as BTECs.
• A-Levels can be used to accumulate ‘UCAS points’* which can enable access degree courses and other forms of Higher Education.

*Please see the UCAS Points Table at bottom of page for more information.
 
Applied Qualifications (including BTECs)

• Can be more suited to those with an idea of what type of career they wish to pursue.
• Assessment is mainly in the form of ongoing coursework assignments so requires consistent effort and organisation.
• The most common applied qualification is a BTEC and these exist across a range of academic levels. Some students will have studied BTECs at GCSE level, but they also exist as qualifications equivalent in size to 1 or 3 A-levels (BTEC National Extended Certificate and BTEC Extended Diploma, respectively).
• Similar to A-Level, BTECs can be used to accumulate ‘UCAS points’* which can enable access degree courses and other forms of Higher Education.

* Please see the UCAS Points Table at bottom of page for more information.
 
Technical Qualifications (including T-Levels)

• Technical qualifications fall under the same broader umbrella of ‘vocational qualifications’ used to describe applied qualifications but are even more skills based. These type of qualifications are well suited to students who have a very strong idea of the career they wish to pursue and are interested in learning and developing the skills that such a career would require on a day-to-day basis.
• Examples include – T-Levels, City and Guilds, VTCT. Students could take qualifications in as areas as diverse as:

         Hair & Beauty
         Construction
         IT
         Early Years Education

• T-levels are only offered by a select number of colleges around the country. We are fortunate in that Farnborough College of Technology provide an ever expanding menu of T-Levels and their current offerings can be found here.
• T-Levels provide students with an industry placement of at least 45 days in their chosen occupation as a means of developing their job specific skills.
• Although T-Levels are designed for students who are keen to learn the skills required for the world of work, just as with A-Levels and BTECs, studying T-Levels will enable students to accumulate ‘UCAS points’* enabling access to degree courses and other forms of Higher Education.

* Please see the UCAS Points Table at bottom of page for more information.
 
Apprenticeships

• Apprenticeships are the most focused and specific way to gain qualifications. Even more so than Technical qualifications, apprenticeships are designed for students that know exactly what they want to do next and want to get started on that journey!
• Apprenticeships are essentially a form of ‘on the job training’. Apprentices will typically join a workforce where 80% of the time will be spent simply doing the job! This might then be combined with one day a week at a local college, or personal tutoring in the workplace.
• Consequently, one key difference between apprenticeships and other post-16 options, is that applications are made to companies rather than colleges. Considering that securing an apprenticeship entails joining a company’s workforce (and payroll!) if follows that apprenticeship placements are far fewer in number than college places, and can therefore be far more competitive. Unlike university applications, apprenticeships may open and advertise at any point throughout the year so it is important to constantly be on the lookout for openings and opportunities. To that end, it is a good idea to set up a profile at the Government apprenticeship search site, in order to receive notification of suitable openings.
• Apprenticeships run across a range of levels and are suitable for people with varying qualifications and experience. For students leaving after their GCSEs, Intermediate and Advanced level apprenticeships (sometimes referred to as level 2 and 3 respectively) would be most suitable, whereas students who have completed college should focus more on Advanced, Higher or Degree Level apprenticeships (levels 3-7).
• As alluded to previously, another benefit of apprenticeships is that apprentices will be paid to get their qualifications. A commonly heard phrase is ‘earn while you learn’!
• Useful ‘Parent Guides’ can be found at both the Government and Amazing Apprenticeships websites. 

 
Traineeships
A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets students ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months. Traineeships aim to provide:

• Help with getting work, such as writing a CV and finding a job.
• A work placement of 70 hours or more.
• Help with the skills needed for an apprenticeship or job in a particular area.
• A job interview or feedback from an employer.
• Help with English, maths and basic digital skills (if needed).

Traineeships are not paid, but may cover expenses for things like travel and meals.
The government Traineeship website can be used to search for local openings.
 

Local Colleges
Below is a list of popular college destinations in our catchment area. Where colleges provide a more specialist menu of courses, extra information is given.
 
Aldershot Construction College
Aldershot Construction courses make use of purpose-built facilities and workshops for students to learn and practise in. ACC provides trade skills to prepare students for employment within the industry, with courses and apprenticeships in bricklaying, carpentry, electrical installation and plumbing.
 
Aldershot MPCT
The Military Preparation College (MPC) is a training college that helps 16-19 year olds develop their fitness, vocational qualifications, and employability skills to help prepare for employment, including careers in the British Armed Forces. The MPC curriculum has been designed to develop students’ physical fitness, essential skills and self-confidence. The college operates a ‘roll on, roll off’ joining process with no set deadline by which to apply, allowing new recruits to join on a weekly basis.
 
Alton College
Offers A-Levels, Vocational Courses and some T-Levels
 
Basingstoke College of Technology
BCoT describes itself as providing an ‘active’ learning approach and offers a range of vocational subjects in areas as diverse as Animal Management, Beauty Therapy, and Games Design.
 
Farnborough College of Technology
Offers A-Levels and Vocational Courses and all newly released T-Levels.
 
Farnborough Sixth Form College
Offers A-Levels and Vocational Courses.
 
Farnham College
Offers A-Levels and Vocational Courses.
 
Godalming College
Offers A-Levels and Vocational Courses.
 
Guildford College
Offers A-Levels and Vocational Courses.
 
Merrist Wood College
Based in Worplesdon (near Guildford), Merrist Wood College is a 400-acre, multi-award-winning college that specialises in the land-based industries.
 
Pulse Premier Academy
Based in Farnham and in conjunction with education group SCL, this course aims to combine football training with a full-time education and development programme. Offers both Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Sport.

UCAS Points Table

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