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Post-16 Options
At Chiltern Hills Academy, we want every student to leave Year 11 with confidence, clarity and hope for their future. Choosing what to do next is an exciting step, and we are here to guide, advise and support you — and your family — every step of the way.
All students in Year 11 meet 1:1 with our professionally qualified Careers Adviser, Chloe Lewis, to talk through their ambitions, strengths and interests. Following this meeting, each student receives a personalised Careers Action Plan, giving them a clear pathway and next steps.
There are three main routes our students can take after GCSEs:
Sixth Form
Many of our Year 11s choose to continue their studies in Chiltern Hills Academy Sixth Form. This offers:
- A wide range of A Levels and BTEC courses to suit different strengths and ambitions.
- A focused and supportive learning environment where students are known and encouraged as individuals.
- Opportunities to take part in leadership, enrichment and community activities alongside academic study.
- For those who need to re-sit English or Maths, we also offer Level 2 courses alongside further study.
Staying with us in Sixth Form allows students to build on the strong relationships they already have with teachers and support staff, while preparing for university, apprenticeships or the world of work.
College
Some students prefer to move into a college environment. Local colleges offer a wide range of A Levels, BTECs and T Levels, providing a flexible and diverse approach to learning.
What are T Levels?
- T Levels are new, nationally recognised two-year qualifications, equivalent to 3 A Levels.
- They are designed with employers to make sure the content meets real industry needs.
- Every T Level includes an industry placement of at least 315 hours (around 45 days), giving students hands-on experience and valuable connections.
Local providers include:
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a fantastic option for students who prefer a hands-on, practical way of learning while gaining valuable work experience. They allow students to:
- Earn while they learn, receiving a wage alongside training.
- Spend at least 20% of their working hours in classroom-based study with a college or training provider.
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification while developing workplace skills.
- Start building a professional network in the industry they are passionate about.
Apprenticeships are ideal for students who want to get a head start in a chosen field while keeping future career pathways open.
Curious if an apprenticeship is right for you? Watch this quick 2-minute video from Unifrog to explore the pros and cons.
Career Pathways at Chiltern Hills Academy
Your future is full of possibilities. At Chiltern Hills Academy, we’ll help you explore every option so you can make the choice that’s right for you.
Options After GCSEs (Year 11)
| Pathway | Options Available |
|---|---|
| Full-time Study | A Levels (Level 3) T Levels (Level 3) BTECs & other technical qualifications (Levels 1–3) English or Maths retakes if required |
| Work & Study | Apprenticeships (Levels 2–3) Supported internships Traineeships |
Options After Sixth Form (Year 13)
| Pathway | Options Available |
|---|---|
| Full-time Study | University (Levels 4–7) Higher technical skill courses (Levels 4–5) |
| Work & Study | Apprenticeships (Levels 3–7) School leaver programmes, internships or traineeships |
| Work | Employment or starting a business |
| Other | Gap year Exam retakes if required |
Options After Higher Education
| Pathway | Options Available |
|---|---|
| Full-time Study | Postgraduate study (e.g. Masters or PhD – Levels 7–8) |
| Work / Work & Study | Graduate jobs or paid employment Higher & degree apprenticeships (Levels 6–7) Internships or work experience Volunteering or starting a business |
| Other | Gap year or travel |
Strengthening Your Future Applications
No matter which path you choose, employers and universities value more than just qualifications. You can stand out by gaining:
- Work experience
- Volunteering opportunities
- Hobbies and interests that show your skills
- Academic enrichment activities
- Testimonials and references
- Travel or gap year experiences
Support for Students and Parents
We know this is a big decision for both students and their families. To help, we provide:
- A Post-16 Choices Presentation for Year 11.
- A Parents’ Guide to Next Steps (created for National Careers Week 2025) to give clear, practical advice.
Together, these resources help students and parents feel fully informed and supported when making choices about the future.