Next Steps Post 16
Post 16 Opportunities
A-Levels
A-Levels can lead to university, employment, higher apprenticeships or further training. You would usually study three A-Levels over two years, and they are generally assessed by a series of exams. To study A-Levels you will require at least five GCSEs at Grades 4-9, and depending on the college, a Grade 5 or 6 in the subject you want to take at A-Level.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience, a salary and the opportunity to train while you work.
T-Levels
T Levels are a brand-new, 2-year qualification that will give you a head start towards the career you want. The government has developed T Levels as an alternative to A Levels to deliver world-class technical education and give you a new choice after GCSEs.
Vocational Qualifications
Vocational Qualifications can lead into a specific job or career sector, for example, Motor Mechanics, Business, Hairdressing, Construction, Accounting and ICT. They combine a mix of theory and practical learning and they are available at a range of academic levels. Vocational qualifications can be studied at Level 3, and therefore, students can progress onto university (students will need to check their vocational qualification is accepted at the university they are interested in), higher apprenticeships, employment or further training.
Local Providers
Ashton Sixth Form College
Specialising in further education for 16-18 year olds for more than thirty years, Ashton Sixth Form College continues to provide excellent educational opportunities for the variety and individuality of their students. They continue in the values set by the foundation of the original Grammar School: equality, aspiration and excellence.
A dedicated website has also been set up for Year 11 pupils https://nextlevel.asfc.ac.uk/ which will give them access to Ashton’s virtual events, course videos, frequently asked questions, making an application and taking a campus tour.
Clarendon Sixth Form College
As a successful sixth form college with a long standing tradition of A level delivery, Clarendon Sixth Form College started life in Hyde in 1957 as Hyde Grammar School. It became a Sixth Form College in 1979 and relocated to Ashton town centre in 2015 as Clarendon Sixth Form College.
Loretto Sixth Form College
Loreto College is committed to enabling you to develop academically, spiritually and personally in your education after high school.
Oldham College
Oldham College was established in 1893 after a donation from the Platt family, a famous textile machinery manufacturers. This led to the institution of the school of art and science in the town centre.
Today, the College offers an extensive range of qualifications in a variety of 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 plus retail and commercial.
Oldham Sixth Form College
Access a huge range of courses, including over 60 A levels, vocational diplomas and the brand-new T Level qualifications
Tameside College
Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, Tameside College is a further education college that offers a wide range of courses including Full-Time, Part-Time, Apprenticeships and University Level.
The Blue Coat School Sixth Form, Oldham
The Blue Coat School Sixth Form is dedicated to serving young people, to enable them to become everything they can be and everything that they are meant to be.
The Manchester College
With TMC’s focus on careers and a work-ready Greater Manchester, TMC creating greater opportunities in the heart of the city and leading the way in education in a range of courses.
Xavarian College
Xaverian has an outstanding record of success and we are committed to ensuring appropriate, ambitious and aspirational progression routes.
