Young people are now required to remain in some form of education or training until the age of 18. This can be by going to sixth form, college, or training provider, doing an apprenticeship, traineeship or supported internship, or doing full-time work or volunteering (20 hours or more) with part-time training (280 planned qualification hours per year).
For more details of what counts as full-time work with part-time training, please see the government guidance on the participation of young people (page 18, section 14).
Participation of young people in education, employment or training
Colleges
There are a number of colleges in Leicester and Leicestershire that offer courses to suit all abilities. You could choose to do a course to get you ready for a specific job, such as motor vehicle or child care. Alternatively, you could go down the academic route and study general subjects.
Popular courses fill up quickly – we always advise early application.
It is also well worth attending College Open Days. For up to date information on local college events and open days, please visit the college websites below.
You can use our online Find a school tool, to see where colleges are located.
Colleges in Leicestershire
Loughborough College
Melton Vale Sixth Form College
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College
SMB College Group
Colleges in Leicester
Beauchamp City Sixth Form
Gateway Sixth Form College
Leicester College
WQE and Regent College Group
Sixth Form
Your choices are:
- Stay on at school (if it has a Sixth Form)
- Apply to join a Sixth Form at another school
- Apply to a Sixth Form College
Local Sixth Forms offer a range of qualifications including A-levels and BTECs.
It is also well worth attending Sixth Form Open Days. These will be advertised on the college websites.
Early application is advisable.
Leicestershire School Sixth Forms
Beauchamp College
Brookvale Groby Learning Campus
Charnwood College
Countesthorpe Leysland Community College
De Lisle College
Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form Centre
Iveshead School
King Edward VII Science & Sport College
Lutterworth College
Rawlins Academy
Robert Smyth Academy
Stephenson Studio School
The Cedars Academy
Wigston College
Wreake Valley Academy
Careers guidance
If you aren't sure which course you want to study or which career to pursue, you can get careers guidance from your current school/college or contact the National Careers Service or PS16
Universal Credit
If you haven't been able to get onto a course or find work, you may qualify for Universal Credit. The Jobcentre Plus staff can also help you to find work or training.
