Next Steps, Routes & Providers
As your child approaches the end of Year 11, it’s important to start thinking about their next steps in education or training. In England, young people must continue in some form of education or training until at least their 18th birthday. This is part of the government’s Raising the Participation Age policy.
This doesn’t mean they have to stay in school—there are several options available, including:
- Full-time education (such as college or sixth form)
- An apprenticeship (learning while earning)
- Part-time education or training combined with at least 20 hours of paid or volunteer work per week
Each route offers different opportunities depending on your child’s interests, strengths, and career goals. Your support and encouragement can make a big difference as they make these important decisions.
Next Step Routes Summary
| Route | Summary | Find Out More |
| Apprenticeship | Learn on the job while earning a wage. Combines work experience with one day a week of classroom learning. Gain qualifications and practical skills employers need. | Calderdale College National site |
| T levels | A two-year course equal to 3 A Levels. Combines 80% classroom learning with 20% industry placement. Focused on preparing students for work, further training, or university. | T Levels at Calderdale College |
| A levels | Academic qualifications studied over two years. Choose 3 subjects and learn in a classroom setting. Ideal for students considering university or high-level careers. | Trinity Sixth Form UCAS Guide |
| Vocational Qualifications | Practical, career-focused courses taught at colleges or training centres. Includes hands-on learning, coursework, and sometimes placements. Ideal for job-specific skills. | Course Search | Calderdale College |
Local Next Step Providers:
The following local providers are the 10 next steps destinations for our students over the past 3 years. Here’s more information to support you child in making their next step decisions.
Post-16 Course Providers
| Provider Name | Course Types Offered | Website Link |
| Calderdale College | A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, VRQs, Apprenticeships | calderdale.ac.uk |
| Trinity Sixth Form Academy | A Levels, BTEC Level 3, Applied General courses | Trinity Sixth Form |
| Kirklees College | Over 300 courses across 30 subject areas, including T Levels and Apprenticeships | kirkleescollege.ac.uk |
| Bradford College | T Levels, Apprenticeships, vocational courses, and Access to Higher Education | bradfordcollege.ac.uk |
| Greenhead College | A Levels in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Art & Design, and more | greenhead.ac.uk |
| New College (Crossley Heath) | A Levels in subjects including Biology, Business, Economics, English, History, and more | crossleyheath.org.uk |
| Huddersfield New College | A Levels and vocational courses in various subjects | hnc.ac.uk |
| Leeds City College | BTECs, T Levels, Apprenticeships, and vocational courses in areas like Creative Arts, Health & Social Care, and Public Services | leedscitycollege.ac.uk |
