🎓 What Happens After Age 16? Education and Training in Leeds
In the UK, your child can leave school at 16. But by law, they must stay in education or training until they are 18. Here are the different options:
📚 A-Levels
- A-Levels are academic subjects.
- Most students study 3 or 4 A-Levels.
- A-Levels are the usual way to go to university.
🛠️ Vocational Qualifications (like BTECs)
- These mix learning and practical skills.
- They help students prepare for a job.
- Most students focus on 1 subject.
👷 Apprenticeships
- Students work, earn money, and study at the same time.
- They learn real job skills and get a qualification.
🏫 Where Can You Study After Age 16?
✅ Schools (Sixth Forms)
Some secondary schools have a Sixth Form for students aged 16–18. They usually offer A-Levels and some vocational courses. But not all schools have a Sixth Form.
✅ Colleges (Further Education)
Colleges in Leeds offer many courses for 16–18-year-olds. They also offer courses for adult who want to:
- Learn new skills
- Study English
- Get job qualifications
👉 You can find out more about all the choices at Leeds Pathways
🏫 Colleges in Leeds
🎓 Leeds City College
📍 Several campuses in and around Leeds
📚 A-Levels, BTECs, Apprenticeships, Adult Learning, ESOL, and University Courses
📞 0113 3861997
🌐 Leeds City College
🧱 Leeds College of Building
📍 North Street & South Bank Campuses
🔨 Courses in construction, building, and apprenticeships
📧 [email protected]
📞 0113 222 6000
🌐 Leeds College of Building
📘 Elliott Hudson College
📍 White Rose Office Park, Beeston
🎓 Offers A-Levels
📧 [email protected]
📞 0113 323 9777
🌐 Elliott Hudson College
✝️ Notre Dame College
📍 Near University of Leeds
🎓 Catholic Sixth Form with A-Levels & vocational courses
📧 [email protected]
📞 0113 294 6644
🌐 Notre Dame College
🎨 Leeds Arts University
📍 Blenheim Walk, Leeds
🎭 Creative courses (art & design) for 16–18-year-olds
📞 0113 202 8000
🌐 Leeds Arts University
📝 How to Apply to College
- Most college courses start in September.
- You can apply online or ask for a paper form.
- Deadlines can be different – check with the college.
📅 Colleges have open days where you can visit and ask questions.
👩🏫 Staff can help you choose a course and fill out your form.
📞 You’ll likely be invited to an interview with a tutor.
💷 Most courses are free for 16–18-year-olds. Adults may need to pay — but staff can explain if you qualify for help.
🔍 Ofsted Reports
All colleges are checked by Ofsted to make sure they teach well.
👉 You can read their reports here: Ofsted
