Post 16 Options

When you are in Years 10 and 11, you will make a lot of important decisions about what you are going to do next in your education. Some of you will be pretty certain about what you are going to do and some of you will not have any ideas at all – and that’s OK! You don’t need to have all the answers right now but it’s important that you are aware of your options and start thinking about which one is right for you.

The Government states that you have to stay in Education for at least two more years after your GCSEs. The main options you will need to choose from are: A levels, BTECs and apprenticeships.

A-levels

A-Levels are when you learn about a subject through lessons, reading and research. You usually study 3 subjects over 2 years and they are academic and theory based. A-Level usually combine essays, exams and coursework and are often the gateway to University, so it is important to check what A-Levels are needed for the University courses you might want to do. To do this, go onto the UCAS website.

To study A-Levels, you need a minimum grade 4 in English Language and Maths (though some colleges stipulate a 5), and usually grade 5 or 6 in your chosen subjects. 

BTECs

A BTEC is a vocational qualification which means it has a career focus and is linked to an industry. BTECs involve applied learning where theory links to practical activity. They also include coursework and practical assignments. There are different levels of BTEC ranging from Level 1 to Level 3. Level 3 can lead to University but you will need to achieve high marks.

Post 16 Options at Bulmershe

The Bulmershe School's Sixth Form offers A-Level and BTEC courses and you can find our all about which courses are available, entry requirements and how to apply on our Sixth Form Pages.

If you don't think A-levels or BTECs are right for you, you might want to consider an Apprenticeship instead. We have a dedicated page on Apprenticeships.

Other Sixth Forms in the local area:

Reading and Woodley:

Maiden Erlegh         https://www.maidenerleghschool.co.uk/

Denefield                 http://www.denefield.org.uk/  

Highdown                https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/   

Hugh Farringdon     https://www.hughfaringdon.org/  

John Madejski         https://www.johnmadejskiacademy.co.uk/   

Kendrick                  https://www.kendrick.reading.sch.uk/ 

Prospect                  http://www.prospect.reading.sch.uk/  

Reading Girls          http://www.readinggirlsschool.co.uk/

Reading Boys          https://www.reading-school.co.uk/  

Waingels                  https://www.waingels.wokingham.sch.uk/

The Wren                 https://www.wrenschool.org/  

Bracknell and Wokingham:

Edgbarrow School     www.edgbarrowschool.co.uk

Brakenhale School    www.brakenhale.co.uk

Ranelagh School       www.ranelagh.bracknell-forest.sch.uk

Sandhurst School      www.sandhurstschool.org.uk 

St Crispin’s School    www.crispins.co.uk  

Emmbrook School    www.emmbrook.wokingham.sch.uk  

Charters School       www.chartersschool.org.uk

Easthampstead Park   www.epschool.org

The Holt                    www.holtschool.co.uk

*Please note, the above list is not exhaustive.  You can find details of Local Authority and Independent schools via Council/Local Authority websites, google and google maps.

Colleges in the area