1. What are the options? Further Education
6th Forms and 6th Form Colleges, University Technical Colleges and Further Education College
Work with Training
Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Employment with Training

2. 6th Forms and University Technical Colleges
Pathways options…
6th Forms and University Technical Colleges
This option generally provides academic based A-Level subjects and/or Level 3 BTECs (A-Level equivalent).
Applications should ideally be made by Christmas Break (16th December 2016).
Samuel Ward Academy (
Students predicted 5 A*- B inc. English and Maths (L4 – 9) are generally accepted.
Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge (
All applications must be in by December.
Students predicted 5 A*- B inc. English and Maths (L6 – 9) are generally accepted.
Long Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge (
Students predicted 5 A*- C inc. English and Maths (L4 – 9) are generally accepted.
UTC Cambridge, Cambridge (
Specialises in Science, Maths, Computing, Psychology, Economics & Geography ONLY.
Students predicted 5A*- C inc. English and Maths (L4 – 9) are generally accepted.

3. Further Education (FE) Colleges
Pathways options…
Further Education (FE) Colleges
FE Colleges offer vocational based subjects.
No GCSE grades through to 5A* - C inc. English and Maths (Level 4 or above)
Work-ready qualifications.
Specific career based qualifications i.e. Catering, Hair and Mechanics you must begin at Level 1.
English Language or English Literature at Level 4 or above.
Requirement of English Language currently L4 to progress to HE.
Applications should ideally be made by Christmas Break (16th December 2016).
West Suffolk College, Bury St. Edmunds (
Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge (
The College of West Anglia, Milton, Cambridge (
Specialises in Horticulture and Animal Studies, including Equine.

4. Pathways options… Apprenticeships
Work based learning through an Employer and College working together to help you gain a qualification.
Generally, this means 1 day per week must be spent at a College (known as Day Release).
A minimum £116 per week (30 hours) will be paid to any successful applicants.
Apprenticeships can be gained in a number of careers ranging from Childcare to Engineering to Administration.
Require English Language at Level 4 or above.
There are a limited number of Apprenticeships available, therefore you need to ensure a back up plan is also made.

5. Pathways options… Traineeships
Traineeships are for those who are work ready.
Courses last between 6 weeks to 6 months.
Focus on CV skills etc., English and Maths and Work Experience.
No specific subject training, likelihood to progress on to an Apprenticeship or Employment with Training.
Traineeships are sourced through the National Apprenticeship Service.
Similar programmes are ran at FE Colleges, such as Pathways to Employment.
However, it is important to remember you must be in learning for 2 years.
There are a limited number of Traineeships available, therefore you need to ensure a back up plan is also made.

6. Employment with Training
Pathways options…
Employment with Training
Working more than 20 hours min. per week.
Time must also be spent in learning.
Paid employment or volunteering.
Learning or training can be completed through ‘in-house’ training programmes by your employer or external FE College courses, but it must be nationally recognised.
Risk of becoming unqualified and unable to work for another company.

7. Importance of the Application
The whole application is important and its presentation. Although, particular emphasis is put on the:
Personal Statement
½ page to 1 A4 sheet in length with good grammar and structure.
Reference
Truthfully completed by the tutor or subject teacher specialist.

8. Finding and comparing courses…
Marketing is an institution’s best friend, so all the information is out there, if you know where to look.
Every student has been provided with FE Open Day information who attended their interview,
Prospectuses will be found in the PLC and Skills for Life lessons or ordered individually,
Institution websites,

9. Open Days and their importance…
Every institution will hold an Open Day or Evening, it is so important that your child gets to see their chosen destination/s. 5 to 10 students every year from CMA, change their chosen destination, after starting their chosen course. Reasons vary, but for a good number it’s because they didn’t get to view it or spend enough time there.

10. What do we do at an Open Evening?
This is your opportunity to ask all the questions that you wish to know.
Entry requirements,
Class size,
Teaching and self-study balance,
Days of attendance,
Course assessment method,
Pass rate,
Appropriate for HE or an Apprenticeship after,
Trips and extra costs,
Financial support,
Student support, what is available?
Application process and interview requirements.
It is worth considering that they are there to sell the course. Please visit more than once and look at the other institutions around.

11. Is there any financial support?
All FE institutions are able to provide financial assistance through, the Bursary Fund.
Students must be in full-time education. However, are some limitations on who can receive the fund.
Young people in care
Care leavers
Young people claiming Income Support
Disabled young people receiving ESA or DLA.
Other students facing genuine hardship may be awarded a bursary payment. Although, the individual institution will take this on a case by case basis.

12. Child Benefit
You will still be eligible to receive Child Benefit payments, if your child remains in full-time education. Apprenticeships currently do not class as a full-time course. More information can be found on

13. Transport – how do they get there?
Transport is no longer provided free of charge for students in Further Education. Suffolk currently offers a policy to subsidise the cost of travel for students, aged between 16 and 19. Currently, transport costs £190 per term. DEADLINE – May 2017 for a September 2017 start. Although, this will be to the closest institution offering that particular course. For more information, please see

14. FAQs Can my child apply without knowing their GCSE grades?
Yes, they will be asked for your predicted grades but they will know them as their ‘PPG’.
When can my child start applying and who will help me?
They can start applying as soon as the Sixth Form, College and Apprenticeship application process opens normally from mid-September. Mr Course, Miss Cianciola and your tutors are here to support you.
Do they need Work Experience?
The more experience you can get in your chosen area the better.
Can my child meet with someone to discuss my options further?
Mr Course, Miss Cianciola, tutors and you(!). External Advice is available from the National Career Service.
Can we visit the different Colleges and Sixth Form’s?
Yes, you can. Mr Course will provided you with the Open Days when you had your 2nd Pathways Meeting .

15. What is happening tonight?
An opportunity to talk and to get your early questions answered.
An ability to listen to our exhibitors speak about their institutions.
A discovery opportunity… what can I study and where can it lead!
Our providers are ready to meet you now!