Young people can leave school on the last Friday in June if they are 16 by the end of the summer holidays, but the Government expects them to continue in approved education or training until at least their 18th birthday. Some benefits, including child benefits, can only be claimed post-16 if the young person continues in approved education or training.

Most young people stay in full-time education, for example at a college or sixth form, while others start apprenticeships or traineeships. There’s a range of options for young people to continue in education after leaving school. The following pages can help young people explore the options available to them, and the local providers offering post-16 education.

What's your next move?

The Department for Education (DfE) has produced a video outlining the education options for those aged 16+.