PARENTS OR CARERS

What happens after Year 11

For many young people, the world past the end of Year 11 can feel overwhelming. It can be difficult for parents and teachers to know how to help their children/students make informed choices about their future careers in a rapidly changing world of work.

There are hundreds of exciting opportunities, and it is never too early to start investigating and exploring the options ahead.

FAQ / Common Questions

Getting Support

What are the choices for my child at 16?
The main post 16 options for young people are.
- Full time Education such as A Levels or Vocational Qualifications at a school or college
- Apprenticeships or Traineeships
- Employment, self-employment or volunteering for a minimum of 20 hours per week this must be in addition to Part time education or training.
- A ‘T Level’ – new two-year Level 3 qualifications – equivalent to 3 x A levels, delivered in college and related to a job role
What funding support is available for a course at college?
Colleges can offer a 16-19 Bursary

A bursary is free money that you do not have to pay back. For Young People to be eligible for the Bursary, they must be:
- Aged 16-18 on 31st August of the year study starts
- Studying at school or college, or on an unpaid training course
- Meet the residency requirements.
- There are two kinds of bursary available. The Vulnerable Student Bursary and the Discretionary Bursary.
For More information – 16 to 19 Bursary Fund: Eligibility – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Care to Learn – support for young parents

The Care to Learn scheme can help with childcare costs while you study.

You must be aged under 20 at the start of your course.

Care to Learn: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What if my child wants to change course or not continue in Education?

All Young People must be in some form of Education or Training until they are 18. We would recommend that you speak with the school college or training provider regarding swapping the course.

Gaining qualifications after 16 will lead to improved career opportunities and it can reduce the risk of having to do unskilled work.

Improving the qualifications young people have will give them a chance to earn more and improve job satisfaction.
What mental health support is available for my Child?

Off the Record is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Getting free support couldn’t be easier. Come along to one of our regular Hubs or explore this website and sign-up directly to the project or service you want to try. www.otrbristol.org.uk

Bristol Mind has a Mental Health Resource page that showcases the different services and support young people can access. bristolmind.org.uk/support_type/young-people/

Young Minds have guides which young people can use to find help and get information and learn about their mental health conditions they may have or are experiencing – youngminds.org.uk/find-help/

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile. Young people can visit their discussion boards, use their Group Chat Service and speak to their trained team.” www.themix.org.uk/get-support

Kooth have a bunch of online features and tools young people can access if they’re looking for advice or are just not feeling their best. In this video it explains the different features on their website and their uses, as well as how they can access www.kooth.com