Post-16 Options

Sixth Form Prospectus

Deciding what pathway to choose after Year 11 can be difficult. We aim to support students to make the best choice for them.

We offer all our Year 11 and Year 13 students the opportunity to meet with our independent and impartial careers adviser, Kathy Wittet kwittetcareers@gmail.com

Students in other year groups can request a meeting. They can also obtain careers information, advice and guidance through our Careers Leader via email – careers@theoxfordacademy.org

The government requires young people to stay in some form of education or training until they are at least 18. This does not necessarily mean staying on at school for sixth form. The decision on what to do after Year 11 will depend on grades achieved at GCSE, career interests and preferred learning environment.

A Levels

Students normally choose 3 subjects which they study for 2 years. Upon completion, they can choose to go to university, apply for an apprenticeship (higher or degree level) or get a job.

A Levels can be studied at sixth form or college. Minimum entry requirements are normally at least 5 GCSEs at grade 5 and above. Some A Level subjects require a grade 6 or 7.

For more information about our Sixth Form, please click HERE.

Why choose A Levels?

Vocational Qualifications

There are courses at college for students of all ability levels. As a rough guide, Level 1 is equal to GCSE grade 1-3, Level 2 is equal to GCSE grade 4+ Level 3 is equal to A Level. Courses are available in a range of subjects /sectors depending on career interests.

In sixth form, it is possible to mix one or more BTEC level 3 qualification with A level subjects. At college, students must choose a subject / sector to focus on (unless they choose an A Level pathway).

More about vocational qualifications

T Levels

This is a new vocational qualification which is equal to 3 A Levels.  It is accepted by universities for undergraduate studies and includes 45 days industry placement over a two-year period. Currently, these qualifications are only available at college.

Find out more about T Levels

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a job with training. Apprentices are employed and they get paid. They have a contract of employment and are entitled to holiday pay. They may go to college or other learning environment one day a week working towards a nationally recognised qualification which will give the apprentice the skills and knowledge needed to do the job.

Apprenticeships are available from GCSE up to degree level and beyond. They can take between one and 6 years to complete depending on the level.

To search and apply for an apprenticeship account at the Government apprenticeship vacancy site HERE. You can also find lots of information at Amazing Apprenticeships.

Find out more about becoming an apprentice

Actions students can take to help them plan their future

• Research career ideas and focus on interests (see links below)
• Think about the course / training and the learning environment that would best suit them
• Find out about entry requirements (minimum GCSE grades needed) for sixth form and/or college courses
• Attend open events at school/college to find out more
• Be realistic about the grades they are likely to achieve and have a back-up plan
• If unsure what to do next, start by doing a careers interest quiz that matches skills and interests to jobs (UCAS careers quiz or CareerPilot) or do a short, fun personality test like  Buzz Quiz which helps people to understand their strengths
• Explore job roles linked to favourite subjects here
• Remember – to keep options open, students can apply for college and sixth form courses and make a final decision in August when they get their results

Researching Career Ideas

• Career Pilot - a good careers website to help students plan their future
• UCAS – careers, apprenticeships and university advice all in one place
• Prospects – careers advice and quizzes for students wishing to progress to higher level qualifications
• National Careers Service – all age careers information, advice and guidance platform
• Buzz Quiz – a short, fun personality quiz
• career-o-meter – good for comparing 3 jobs at once

Useful websites

• OXME –this Oxfordshire County Council website is specifically for young people. It provides information and advice on areas of Health, Life, Learning and Employment within the local area including apprenticeships.  There is also a ‘Live Chat’ facility with qualified advisers.
• Find an Apprenticeship - search and apply for apprenticeships here.
• City of Oxford College  - Local Further Education College, offering A Levels, BTECs. T Levels and apprenticeships.
• Abingdon & Witney College – Local Further Education College offering BTECs. T Levels and apprenticeships.
• EMBS - A small community college in Cowley offering sixth form courses.
• Ignite Sport - Sports coaching apprenticeships.
• Velocity Football – Full-time football academy next open event.