Your Future Starts Here
If you're aged 16 to 18 - and up to 25 if you have special educational needs or disabilities - you have the right to access education, training or work with training.
This guide helps you explore your next steps after Year 11. Whether you're staying in school, starting college, beginning an apprenticeship or looking for support, there’s something for you.
Read the full guide: After Year 11 Education (PDF, 2.2MB)
Pathways after Year 11
There are lots of ways to keep learning and developing. You can choose:
- A Levels – academic subjects at sixth form or college.
- Vocational qualifications – BTECs, T Levels or other practical courses.
- Apprenticeships – earn while you learn with real work experience.
- Supported internships – for young people with additional needs.
- Employment with training – if you’re working, you must still be learning.
Key dates
- College and apprenticeship applications: October to January
- National Apprenticeship Week: 9-15 February 2026
- National Careers Week: 2-7 March 2026
- Supported Internship Day: March 2026
- A Level and GCSE exams: May to June 2026
Support for young people with additional needs
If you have special educational needs or a disability, there are tailored options to help you succeed.
Useful links:
Support includes:
- specialist colleges and resource bases
- help with travel and personal budgets
- preparing for adulthood (ages 14 to 25)
- EHCP assessments and reviews.
Getting ready for college
If you’re enrolling at college after GCSEs, make sure you bring:
- your enrolment invite (printed or on your phone)
- a pen
- valid ID showing your date of birth and address
- your GCSE results or certificates
- your National Insurance number (if you have one)
Most colleges publish enrolment details by GCSE results day. Check your emails or the college website for instructions.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine real work experience with training and a wage. They’re a great option if you want to build skills and start your career early but they’re not always easy to get straight after Year 11.
Search apprenticeships: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
What you need to know:
- Most apprenticeships need GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 or above.
- Opportunities for 16-year-olds may be limited so explore other options too.
- Some local organisations offer short training programmes to help you prepare - ask your school, college or the Back on Track team if you want to know more.
Not in Education, Employment or Training?
If you're not currently in education, employment or training, Lambeth’s Back on Track service can help.
Email: backontrack@lambeth.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7926 1402
They offer:
- Weekly drop-in sessions
- 1:1 advice and guidance
- Help applying for college, training or jobs
- Short courses and re-engagement programmes
- Referral forms for young people and professionals
Stay in touch
If you're aged 16 to 18 and not in education, employment or training, you must stay in learning or training until you're 18. Keep Back on Track updated about your situation so they can support you.
What is the September Guarantee?
Every young person finishing Year 11 or Year 12 is entitled to an offer of education, training or work with training by the end of September.
This could be:
- Full-time education (school or college)
- An apprenticeship or traineeship
- A job with training that leads to a qualification
Local authorities work with schools and colleges to track offers and support anyone without a confirmed plan.
Why it matters
If you don’t have a plan for September, you could be at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training). Services like Back on Track can help you explore options and get support.