What other options are there when you turn 16?
All children and young people have the right to full-time education up to the age of 16. After that, you must do one of the following until you’re at least 18:
- Stay in full-time education, for example at a college or sixth form. You can study vocational, technical or academic subjects.
- Access a Supported Internship, an education programme where you spend lots of time in a workplace
- Start an apprenticeship, where you do a job but continue to learn alongside.
- Spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.
Many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) learn and grow a lot during these last few years but college is not your only option. We give you more information about other options below.
Hampshire Futures' have created an interactive guide for young people to help them choose what comes next after school.
Hampshire Futures also have a range of videos exploring career options which are designed to help young people choose a career path. View the videos and get careers advice for lots of different job roles.
The Southern Universities Network also has some helpful guides and videos to aid young people in making a decision about what they would like to study and what type of course might be right for them.
In addition to this Sense, Contact and Disability Rights UK all have helpful guides to post 16 options for young people with a disability.
Whoever you are and whatever you're interested in for a future career, there will be an option that is right for you.
Hampshire Futures' have created an interactive guide for young people to help them choose what comes next after school.
Hampshire Futures also have a range of videos exploring career options which are designed to help young people choose a career path. View the videos and get careers advice for lots of different job roles.
The Southern Universities Network also has some helpful guides and videos to aid young people in making a decision about what they would like to study and what type of course might be right for them.
In addition to this Sense, Contact and Disability Rights UK all have helpful guides to post 16 options for young people with a disability.
Whoever you are and whatever you're interested in for a future career, there will be an option that is right for you.
Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn and learn at the same time and take between one to four years to complete.
They are a mixture of on-the-job and off-the-job training for young people and adults 16 and over.
- On-the-job, you will gain key skills like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology
- Off-the-job, you will spend time working towards a recognised apprenticeship framework
To do an apprenticeship you must
- be at least 16 years old,
- live in England
- not be in full-time education
There are lots of apprenticeships available, at different levels and in different industries.
You will be paid, and learn "on the job" as well as spending some time each week at college, or with another learning or training provider, studying towards your qualification. Apprenticeship levels range from Level 2 (equivalent to five good GCSEs) to Level 7 (equivalent to a masters degree)
How to apply for an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn and learn at the same time and take between one to four years to complete.
They are a mixture of on-the-job and off-the-job training for young people and adults 16 and over.
- On-the-job, you will gain key skills like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology
- Off-the-job, you will spend time working towards a recognised apprenticeship framework
To do an apprenticeship you must
- be at least 16 years old,
- live in England
- not be in full-time education
There are lots of apprenticeships available, at different levels and in different industries.
You will be paid, and learn "on the job" as well as spending some time each week at college, or with another learning or training provider, studying towards your qualification. Apprenticeship levels range from Level 2 (equivalent to five good GCSEs) to Level 7 (equivalent to a masters degree)
How to apply for an apprenticeship.
One option after you finish school is spending 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, alongside part-time education or training. Below we have some ideas of places you might like to volunteer.
The Royal Voluntary Service offer a range of different volunteer roles suitable for students and young adults. They have roles available within the local community where you can meet people from your local area and support individuals with tasks in their day-to-day lives. They also have volunteer roles based in hospitals and health centres, where you help keep services available to both staff and the public.
Young people can volunteer in many of Red Cross services from age 15.
There are opportunities to learn new skills, boost your CV and your confidence, and get to know more about how charities work.
No matter how much time you have or whatever your experience, there’s a role to suit everyone.
As a Young Minds writer, you could use your voice to create change and help other young people with their mental health.
There are two ways you can write for them: by joining our Blogger Pool or by applying to the Writers Programme.
The Youth Panel help steer the charity. They discuss the big picture questions like where they are going, or what they should do.
The Youth Advisors get involved in specific projects across the Young Minds to offer their knowledge and insight. They work alongside the charity to champion youth voice.
Young Mind Activists are volunteers aged 14 to 25 who are passionate about mental health or have experienced challenges related to mental health in their lives. They campaign to create positive change, and help shape and influence the work Young Minds do.
Youth Employment - Volunteering
Get volunteering tips from experts and young people sharing their stories.
For more information on volunteering please go to our volunteering page.
One option after you finish school is spending 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, alongside part-time education or training. Below we have some ideas of places you might like to volunteer.
The Royal Voluntary Service offer a range of different volunteer roles suitable for students and young adults. They have roles available within the local community where you can meet people from your local area and support individuals with tasks in their day-to-day lives. They also have volunteer roles based in hospitals and health centres, where you help keep services available to both staff and the public.
Young people can volunteer in many of Red Cross services from age 15.
There are opportunities to learn new skills, boost your CV and your confidence, and get to know more about how charities work.
No matter how much time you have or whatever your experience, there’s a role to suit everyone.
As a Young Minds writer, you could use your voice to create change and help other young people with their mental health.
There are two ways you can write for them: by joining our Blogger Pool or by applying to the Writers Programme.
The Youth Panel help steer the charity. They discuss the big picture questions like where they are going, or what they should do.
The Youth Advisors get involved in specific projects across the Young Minds to offer their knowledge and insight. They work alongside the charity to champion youth voice.
Young Mind Activists are volunteers aged 14 to 25 who are passionate about mental health or have experienced challenges related to mental health in their lives. They campaign to create positive change, and help shape and influence the work Young Minds do.
Youth Employment - Volunteering
Get volunteering tips from experts and young people sharing their stories.
For more information on volunteering please go to our volunteering page.
You are allowed to work part-time alongside study or training. This can allow you to earn money, whilst continuing to work towards qualifications. Once you are 18, you are allowed to leave education or training if that is what you want to do.
Finding a job for any young person can be difficult as you do not have any experience yet so you need to be resilient and flexible when job seeking. It might be that you start off volunteering before being offered a paying job. Word of mouth can be the best way to get employment as a young person so reach out to your friends and family to see if anyone knows someone who is willing to give you a chance.
You are allowed to work part-time alongside study or training. This can allow you to earn money, whilst continuing to work towards qualifications. Once you are 18, you are allowed to leave education or training if that is what you want to do.
Finding a job for any young person can be difficult as you do not have any experience yet so you need to be resilient and flexible when job seeking. It might be that you start off volunteering before being offered a paying job. Word of mouth can be the best way to get employment as a young person so reach out to your friends and family to see if anyone knows someone who is willing to give you a chance.
Are you aged 13-30 and looking to make a change in your life? If you're unemployed or struggling at school, The King's Trust can help you in a number of ways, including free training courses, brand new experiences, support, mentoring and finance.
The British Racing School - Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Riding (Racing):
Have you ever considered a job in horse racing? Being top Jockey, leading in the winner or training a horse to win are some of the things you could be doing if you choose racing as a career path.
The British Racing School offers a free residential course to young people aged between 16 and 22. At the end of the course you will be guaranteed a full-time job in the horse racing industry. The course is open to complete beginners so don't worry if you cannot ride, tuition will be given on the course.
Apprenticeship courses at the British Racing School fill up really quickly, so if your interested, get your application in quick.
The Shaw Trust is all about helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their goals, whether that’s getting into work, education, or building confidence for the future. They run a number of projects including:
The Change Project helps young people aged 16-24 who are not in work, education or training, providing a holistic approach to develop interpersonal skills. Helping them to gain knowledge, experience, and qualifications that will enable them to move into sustained employment, education, or training.
If you need support to secure your first job or an apprenticeship – Jump into Work can help kickstart your career!
The course will improve your employability skills and provide valuable work experience in a sector of interest. You will also improve your English and maths skills, working towards Functional Skills qualifications if needed.
A dedicated Work Coach will support you in finding a work placement with a local or national employer, matching your skills with a suitable employer in your area.
Kickstart Springboard supports young people who are unemployed.
All programmes are completely free and include…
- Soft skills and confidence building training
- Employability skills training – CVs, interview skills, effective job hunt
- Hospitality related certified e-learning
- 121 mentoring and coaching
- Guaranteed interviews with hospitality employers recruiting now
- Hospitality related accredited qualifications
Safe New Futures offers a free, gentle, and structured 6‑month programme designed to help young people rebuild confidence, overcome personal barriers, and take positive next steps towards education, work or training.
This programme is suitable for young people who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their future. Many participants struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social barriers — and we’re here to help them move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
How the Programme Helps
A combination of group CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with practical vocational skills, give young people both emotional tools and real‑world skills to help them progress.
Your young person will learn how to:
- Build confidence and self-belief
- Manage anxiety and low mood
- Set achievable goals
- Explore education, training, or work pathways
- Develop practical skills for their future
Programme at a Glance
- Duration: 6 months
- Who it’s for: Young people aged 16+ who are NEET, unemployed, or at risk, including those with SEN
- Cost: Completely free — all materials and tech support included
- How it works:
- A 10‑day online course
- Followed by 12 weekly workshops
- Plus one‑to‑one mentoring and personalised support
Are you aged 13-30 and looking to make a change in your life? If you're unemployed or struggling at school, The King's Trust can help you in a number of ways, including free training courses, brand new experiences, support, mentoring and finance.
The British Racing School - Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Riding (Racing):
Have you ever considered a job in horse racing? Being top Jockey, leading in the winner or training a horse to win are some of the things you could be doing if you choose racing as a career path.
The British Racing School offers a free residential course to young people aged between 16 and 22. At the end of the course you will be guaranteed a full-time job in the horse racing industry. The course is open to complete beginners so don't worry if you cannot ride, tuition will be given on the course.
Apprenticeship courses at the British Racing School fill up really quickly, so if your interested, get your application in quick.
The Shaw Trust is all about helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their goals, whether that’s getting into work, education, or building confidence for the future. They run a number of projects including:
The Change Project helps young people aged 16-24 who are not in work, education or training, providing a holistic approach to develop interpersonal skills. Helping them to gain knowledge, experience, and qualifications that will enable them to move into sustained employment, education, or training.
If you need support to secure your first job or an apprenticeship – Jump into Work can help kickstart your career!
The course will improve your employability skills and provide valuable work experience in a sector of interest. You will also improve your English and maths skills, working towards Functional Skills qualifications if needed.
A dedicated Work Coach will support you in finding a work placement with a local or national employer, matching your skills with a suitable employer in your area.
Kickstart Springboard supports young people who are unemployed.
All programmes are completely free and include…
- Soft skills and confidence building training
- Employability skills training – CVs, interview skills, effective job hunt
- Hospitality related certified e-learning
- 121 mentoring and coaching
- Guaranteed interviews with hospitality employers recruiting now
- Hospitality related accredited qualifications
Safe New Futures offers a free, gentle, and structured 6‑month programme designed to help young people rebuild confidence, overcome personal barriers, and take positive next steps towards education, work or training.
This programme is suitable for young people who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their future. Many participants struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social barriers — and we’re here to help them move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
How the Programme Helps
A combination of group CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with practical vocational skills, give young people both emotional tools and real‑world skills to help them progress.
Your young person will learn how to:
- Build confidence and self-belief
- Manage anxiety and low mood
- Set achievable goals
- Explore education, training, or work pathways
- Develop practical skills for their future
Programme at a Glance
- Duration: 6 months
- Who it’s for: Young people aged 16+ who are NEET, unemployed, or at risk, including those with SEN
- Cost: Completely free — all materials and tech support included
- How it works:
- A 10‑day online course
- Followed by 12 weekly workshops
- Plus one‑to‑one mentoring and personalised support
- Find a Course - National Careers Service - search for an accredited online course
- Post 16 – Cognus - An extensive list of online providers of accredited courses
-
The AQA Unit Award Scheme- Preparing for independence:
The AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) is a unique recording of achievement scheme, offering you the chance to have your achievements formally recognised. The UAS are highly valued by employers, colleges and universities.
- Find a Course - National Careers Service - search for an accredited online course
- Post 16 – Cognus - An extensive list of online providers of accredited courses
-
The AQA Unit Award Scheme- Preparing for independence:
The AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) is a unique recording of achievement scheme, offering you the chance to have your achievements formally recognised. The UAS are highly valued by employers, colleges and universities.