Making informed decisions and preparing for the next step

In Year 11, pupils are supported to decide on their preferred post-16 pathway and prepare for a successful transition.

Support includes:

• Independent and impartial careers guidance
• Encounters with Sixth Forms, colleges and training providers
• Information about apprenticeships and technical education
• Researching and comparing post-16 pathways
• Support with applications, CVs and interviews
• Guidance about entry requirements and application deadlines
• Information about open days and careers events
• Additional transition support where required

We encourage every pupil to identify a preferred post-16 destination and a suitable alternative so that they are prepared for different possible outcomes.

Explore Your Post-16 Options

After Year 11, young people must continue in education or training until the age of 18. This does not mean that everyone must remain at school. Pupils can choose from  several pathways depending on their interests, ambitions and preferred way of learning.                                                                                                                                                                                        The Duston School Sixth Form                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The Duston School Sixth Form allows pupils to continue their education within a familiar and supportive environment. Pupils can find   information about courses, entry requirements and Sixth Form opportunities within the dedicated Sixth Form area of the website.

Explore The Duston School Sixth Form

Further Education Colleges

Colleges offer a wide range of academic, vocational and technical courses. They may suit pupils who prefer practical or career-focused learning, want to access specialist facilities or wish to study a course that is not available at school.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Pupils should compare course content, entry requirements, travel arrangements and progression opportunities before applying.                                                                    Apprenticeships                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training and a recognised qualification. Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of industries. Competition can be strong, so pupils should also apply for a suitable full-time education or training course as an alternative.

Explore Apprenticeships and Employment

T Levels and Technical Qualifications                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            T Levels are two-year technical qualifications that combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement. They are designed to prepare young people for skilled employment, an apprenticeship or further study.Other vocational and technical qualifications allow pupils to develop knowledge and practical skills related to a particular career or industry. 

Training Providers                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Training providers offer vocational courses, apprenticeships and employment-related programmes. These may be delivered in smaller or more specialised settings and can include significant practical or workplace learning.

Supported Internships                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Supported internships are workplace-based study programmes for young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan.                                                              They provide personalised support and practical experience to help young people develop the skills needed to move towards paid employment.

Comparing Post-16 Options                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Before making a decision, pupils should consider:

• Their interests, strengths and career ideas
• How they prefer to learn
• Course content and assessment methods
• Qualifications and entry requirements
• Travel arrangements and costs
• Work experience or industry placements
• Progression opportunities
• Application deadlines and interview requirements

We encourage pupils to attend open days, speak to providers, research their options carefully and discuss their plans with parents, carers and the Careers Team.                  Unifrog                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Pupils use Unifrog throughout Secondary school to support their careers learning and decision-making.                                                                                                                                          Unifrog enables pupils to:

• Explore careers and subject links
• Research Sixth Forms, colleges and apprenticeships
• Compare different pathways
• Access labour market information
• Identify their skills, strengths and interests
• Record careers activities and experiences
• Build CVs and prepare applications
• Organise and record work experience

Unifrog - Login

Independent Careers Guidance

Pupils have access to independent and impartial careers information, advice and guidance from:                                                                                                                                                                        Cheryl McCarthy.Independent Careers Adviser – MyPath                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Careers guidance helps pupils explore their ideas, understand the options available and make informed decisions. Guidance is personalised to reflect each pupil’s strengths, interests, circumstances and aspirations.Pupils can request an appointment by visiting the Careers Hub or speaking to a member of the Careers Team.

Encounters With Education and Training Providers                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Pupils have opportunities to meet and learn from Sixth Forms, colleges, apprenticeship providers and training organisations.These encounters take place through assemblies, workshops, visits, careers events and other activities. They enable pupils to understand and compare academic, technical and vocational pathways before making decisions about their future.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Support for Every Pupil                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We are committed to ensuring that all pupils can access high-quality careers education and make a successful transition after Year 11.                                                                                        Personalised and additional support is provided where required, including for pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and pupils who may face additional barriers.                    We work with pupils, families, school staff, our Independent Careers Adviser and external organisations to identify suitable pathways and support successful transitions.