Post 16 Qualifications

Post 16 Qualifications Explained

A Levels

·         Academic route – mainly exam based assessment  

·         Choose 3 subjects you enjoy and are good at. 

·         Great for students who like reading, writing and theory. There are also some more practical A Levels such as art, textiles, photography...

·         Needed for some university courses and some universities (e.g medicine, law, sciences)

·         Level 3 qualifications

·         Collect UCAS points UCAS Tariff Points - what are they and how do they work?

💡 Pros: Lots of choice, keeps doors open

⚠️ Cons: Less practical, assessment mainly exams.
Entry to many A Level courses dependent on gaining 5 or more GCSE passes grades 9 - 4

T Levels

·         New technical qualifications (2 year duration – same as A Levels)

·         Focus on one career area – e.g. health, business, childcare

·         Industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days and the rest in the classroom

·         Great for people who like hands-on learning and want to get real experience

·         Level 3 qualifications

💡 Pros: Real-world experience, leads to jobs or university

⚠️ Cons: Less flexibility if you’re unsure of your career yet

V Levels – AAQ's/BTEC’s

These are all vocational qualifications offering a mix of coursework, projects and practical tasks

Currently, BTEC’s are the standard qualifications offered:

Vocational qualifications are offered at Level 1, 2 and 3

Level 2 = GCSE equivalent

Level 3 = A Level equivalent.

Level 3 BTECS earn UCAS points – so university is still an option.

💡 Pros: Continuous assessment, practical learning
⚠️ Cons: Less emphasis on exams; some unis prefer A Levels

From 2027, new V levels will be introduced to replace many existing qualifications, simplifying the current system and opening up more high-quality routes for young people. 

V levels will be new Level 3 qualifications that offer a vocational pathway for students who want to explore different sectors before deciding where to specialise. 

This new pathway will replace the wide range of qualifications that are not A or T levels and streamline the currently confusing landscape of approximately 900 qualifications at this level.  

For students not yet ready for Level 3 study at 16 there will be two new pathways  to better support students at Level 2 — the level broadly equivalent to GCSEs. These pathways will support those aged 16-18, providing clear route that matches their aspirations, whether that is work or moving into further study:

The Occupational Pathway – for those who want to develop the skills and experience needed to move straight into a skilled job or apprenticeship after Level 2. This two-year, employment-focused programme will give students training designed around real jobs and industries, helping them become work-ready and confident about starting in work. 

The Further Study Pathway – for students who plan to continue in education and progress onto Level 3 courses like A levels, T Levels, or V levels, but  who may need more time to prepare, building confidence and strengthening their skills first. This pathway will bridge the gap to higher-level study, helping students prepare for their next step in education.

Apprenticeships

Combine work with study – you earn while you learn and are an employee rather than a student.

You’re employed, paid a wage and train towards a qualification

Available at Level 2 (GCSE) through to Level 7 (Degree)

Can lead straight to full-time work or higher apprenticeships

💡 Pros: Real job, experience, and pay
⚠️ Cons: Fast-paced and less classroom learning