Post 16
- What do you mean by post-16 education?
- What is the National Qualifications Framework?
- How do I get on to Post-16 educational courses?
- How have A levels changed recently?
What do you mean by post-16 education?
Post-16 education is that which takes place after the age of compulsory schooling. Students can pursue their education post-16 in schools or colleges. Seven of Warrington's secondary schools provide post-16 education on site; that is they are 11-18 high schools. Warrington also has two colleges which provide post-16 education - Warrington Collegiate Institute 
and Priestley College . Where you choose to study depends on the type of course you wish to follow.
What is the National Qualifications Framework?
The qualifications framework shows how qualifications relate to each other and how students can progress from one level to the next. Qualifications are organised at five different levels. Level 1 qualifications include NVQ1, GNVQ at Foundation level and GCSEs at grades D to G. Level 2 qualifications include NVQ1, GNVQ Intermediate and GCSEs at grades A* to C. Level 3 qualifications include NVQ3, Vocational A levels (AVCEs) and A levels. Between 16 and 19 most students will follow programmes from the National Qualifications Framework at Levels 2 and 3.
How do I get on to Post-16 educational courses?
Many students who move on to post 16 education will have gained GCSEs at school and will take courses at advanced level. These are usually available to students who have gained 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C but entry policy does vary from institution to institution and you will have to check carefully. You can search for a list of the schools and colleges offering specific courses by clicking here. If a course you want to study is not on the list, it is worth checking with the school or college whether they are prepared or planning to offer it.
How have A levels changed recently?
In 2000 the government changed the organisation and content of academic A level courses in an effort to encourage students to experience a broader curriculum in Year 12, the first year of post 16 education. The first part of an academic A level is called an AS level. Most institutions expect students to take five subjects at AS level during Year 12. You then decide to study further the three or four subjects in which you have been most successful, taking A2 examinations at the end of Year 13. The two components AS and A2 together make an academic A level. You can also take AS courses in Year 13 alongside your A2 courses if you wish to study a broad range of subjects.
Advanced Vocational Certificates in Education (AVCE) were also introduced in 2000. These replaced Advanced GNVQ courses. AVCE are organised in units. 6 units make up a vocational course equivalent to an academic A level. A 12 unit course is equivalent to two academic A levels. There is greater interchangeability between academic and vocational courses allowing students to mix and match. You can search for the schools and colleges offering specific AVCE courses by clicking here.
The Learning and Skills Council is a national body responsible for providing and funding education and training post-16. The LSC has a number of local councils (LLSC). The local Learning and Skills Council has responsibility for education and training for Cheshire and Warrington. Funding for post-16 education is channelled to schools from the Learning and Skills Council through the LEA. If you need information about training courses, on the job training or modern apprenticeships contact the Learning and Skills Council or the Connexions Service .
