Post 16 Options

Post-16 Support

At OSA we encourage students to think about their future choices and Post 16 learning early on.  Young people are required to stay in education or training until they are 18, this usually means continuing with study at college, sixth form or undertaking an apprenticeship. School leaving age – GOV.UK

At the Academy we ensure that students are well supported in making future choices by providing them with careers guidance and information in a number or ways including assemblies, PSHE lessons, career guidance meetings, visits to colleges or sixth forms.

The following guide has been produced by Suffolk County Council to help parents and careers support their young person

options-after-year-11-2022-final

There have recently been some new Post 16 qualifications introduced from September 2027, including the introduction of V Levels, L2 pathway qualifications and a Level 1 Maths/English qualification STUDENT CDI Understanding the changes to post-16 pathways

Visits from Post 16 institutions

During the Autumn Term Year 11 students will need to make important decisions on their next steps and what they will do when they leave the Academy.  We support students by organising Post 16 assemblies from local institutions that offer a range of qualifications and training including vocational courses, T levels, A levels and Apprenticeships. The following Post 16 providers will be visiting the Academy in the Autumn Term:

  • Monday 14 September – Colchester Institute
  • Monday 21September – Suffolk One Sixth Form College
  • Monday 28 September – West Suffolk College
  • Monday 5 October – Abbeygate Sixth Form College
  • Monday 12 October – Suffolk New College
  • Friday 23 October – Thomas Gainsborough School
  • February date TBC – Apprenticeship Assembly

Career Guidance Meetings

Students from year 9-11 can meet with the Academy Careers Adviser to discuss their options and career ideas.  Parents are welcome to arrange a meeting should they wish to discuss their child’s next steps. Please email Miss Boreham at the Academy to make arrangements..

Student Destinations – Leavers 2025

Last academic year students that left the academy went onto the following destinations:

Full time education at college or sixth form   80%
Apprenticeships                                                  4%
Employment with training   6%
Employment without training     5%