Leaving compulsory education is a daunting prospect for many, and there are different options open to you when you reach 16 years old. So what happens after year 11, and what are your options in Monmouthshire?
- Sixth Form
- College
- Apprenticeship or Traineeship
- Start Work
Sixth Forms
Sixth Forms across Monmouthshire provide a wide range of subjects at Level 3, BTEC National, AS and A level & Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate. Each school within Monmouthshire would have varying requirements for on to Level 3 courses (or equivalent). Students generally would require at least 5 GCSEs with grades A*- C grading or equivalent or 5 BTECs with Merit grades, though some AS & A2 subjects require specific GCSE subjects and grades to progress into the sixth form. Prospectuses will be available via each schools website for specific details.
Further information of the Sixth Form offer in Monmouthshire:
- Caldicot School – www.caldicotschool.com
- Chepstow School – www.chepstowschool.net
- King Henry School, Abergavenny – www.kinghenryviiischool.co.uk
- Monmouth Comprehensive School – www.monmouthcomprehensive.org.uk
College
Coleg Gwent – www.coleggwent.ac.uk
Coleg Gwent offer 32 A Level courses and a range of vocational course across five campuses. Students studying at Coleg Gwent in 2018/ 19 walked away with 98.5% A-Level pass rate. Coleg Gwent is ranked joint top performing college for vocational learning in Wales.
For those living close the English border there are a number of other College options open to you. To find out more about these colleges and the courses they offer, please visit their websites:
Herefordshire and Ludlow College
Gloucestershire College – Cinderford Campus
You can also find a range of colleges and training providers on our online map by clicking here
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in Wales are jobs that include recognised qualifications and job-specific skills. You earn a wage while you work and learn. Further information and up to date apprenticeships in Monmouthshire can be found at https://careerswales.gov.wales/
Traineeships
A Traineeship is a learning programme that gives you the skills needed to get a job or progress to further learning or an apprenticeship in the future.
People Plus – www.peopleplus.co.uk/peopleplus-cymru
Torfaen training – www.torfaentraining.co.uk/torfaen-training
Sgiliau – www.sgiliau.wales
Work Based Learning providers offers two pathways which include:
Engagement Programme – 21 hours, £30 a week
Level 1 Traineeships – 30 hours, £50 a week
Traineeships will vary between providers, but generally include traineeships in Retail, Business Admin, Hair & Beauty
Further information on next steps and pathways in Wales:
Employment
When you are 16 years old you can look for work if you are ready. If you know what you want to do, you can apply for a job once you’ve left school. If you’re interest in starting work and are ready to begin searching and applying for jobs please click here to find out more about our Employment Support offer for 16-24 year olds.