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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Education
    3. 11-19: your learning and career options
    4. School and other options

    Education for 14 to 19-year-olds

    Changes in education mean there is a wider choice of courses for 14 to 19-year-olds and more emphasis on learning useful things. Young people need to be given the skills and qualifications to do well whether they go on to further study or to work.

    Choosing courses to study

    The Entitlement Framework puts the pupil's needs first. Young people can access courses intended to suit their needs, interests, aptitudes and future job prospects, no matter where they live or the school they go to.

    Post-primary schools must offer 21 courses at Key Stage 4 and post-16. One third of courses must be general and one third applied courses.

    If a course isn't available at your child's school, it may be available at another school or further education college in the area. 

    How the Entitlement Framework can help young people

    Your child stands the best chance of succeeding if they can follow courses that interest and inspire them and that can take them on through further or higher education, or training, to fulfilling careers. Fast changing technology means there is a need for new skills as well as the need to build on existing skills.

    Entitlement Framework means that schools can respond to meet the needs of young people and the economy while continuing to develop skills such as:

    • creativity
    • entrepreneurship
    • problem-solving
    • working with others
    • literacy
    • numeracy
    • information technology

    Choosing a career

    Making informed choices is important. Your child will receive ongoing advice from careers teaching within their school and visits to the school from careers advisors.

    • GCSEs
    • AS and A Levels
    • Careers A-Z
    • Entitlement Framework
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    School and other options

    • Career planning for young people with special educational needs
    • Careers A-Z list
    • Education for 14 to 19-year-olds
    • Exams, tests and the curriculum
    • Options after Year 12
    • Options after Year 14
    • Planning a gap year
    • Results
    • Search for apprenticeship opportunities
    • Skills to succeed
    • Subject choices at Year 10
    • Work experience
    • Year 10 subject choices quiz

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