Post-16 options
When your child reaches the age of 16 they can choose to continue with home education if they wish. Alternatively, other options are detailed below.
Youth Hub Devon
Youth Hub Devon works to help young people (aged 16-24) get the right training, support, and guidance for their future.
Based in Exeter Library, the Youth Hub is an multi-purpose space where you can find varied employment events, workshops, study spaces, and their friendly team!
Whether it’s CV and interview support, help searching for a job or an apprenticeship, or simply some careers advice – you can find it all at the Youth Hub.
Contact Youth Hub Devon to request an appointment, send an email or telephone through the Youth Hub contact page.
Return to a school with a sixth form if there is one in your area
You need to contact the school/college as early as possible and make an appointment to see the headteacher. Schools offer a range of courses including Advanced, A/S level and vocational courses. Your child may also be able to take GCSEs.
College of further education (FE)
When your child is 15+ (year 10) send for a prospectus (or access one online) from your local FE college and check through the qualifications they may need and the courses on offer.
Applications need to be in by January of year 11 but in the autumn term, it may be advisable to contact the admissions tutor at the college and make an appointment with a head of department or principal to talk about elective home education and your child’s achievements. You may need to take examples of work done.
Many FE colleges run open days during the year which you may wish to attend.
Work-based training or modern apprenticeships
This is an excellent route if your child wishes to start work and gain some work-based qualifications. Contact CSW Group early in year 11 since applications for work-based training are usually completed via them.
You, with the help of CSW, or on your own, will have to find an appropriate work placement with an employer prepared to take on a trainee.
More information about post-16 options.
The Careers and Employability Handbook (2023 Edition)
The Careers and Employability Handbook is free to view. As most career choices and preparatory steps start as children start secondary school, this 500+ paged guide will help parents/carers to start building the right foundation for their child.
Major highlights include useful guides and top tips on:
• Choosing Sixth Form Subjects.
• Applying for Medical School.
• UCAS Applications.
• Applying for Apprenticeships / Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.
• Applying to Oxford, Cambridge & Russell Group Universities.
• Applying to US Universities.
• Labour Market Information, including average earnings for various roles and for different UK regions.
• How to plan and organise your studies to achieve your career objectives.
FULLY FUNDED Outward Bound courses for young people aged 16 to 22 yrs
The Sir Francis Chichester Trust is once again offering FREE places on the 2-week Outward Bound courses to young people who live in Devon (including Plymouth and Torbay) and who are aged 16-22 at the time of the course, which will be July/August 2024.
The course is designed to help participants make an effective transition into sixth form, further education or work and is a chance to have a life-shaping adventure with people from all over the world, to know what they are truly capable of achieving and to stand out in a crowded market place. The courses are held at the Outward Bound centres in the Lake District, Wales and Scotland.
The aim of the courses is that young people challenge themselves, demonstrate progress through 1:1 action planning focussed on personal development, work outside of their normal friendship group and leave with a breadth of experience that will enrich personal statements and set them aside from other young people. The main benefits for the young people are seen in greatly improved self-confidence and team working abilities, together with raised aspirations.
The Trust looks for candidates that wouldn’t normally have a chance to undertake anything of this nature and will be able to enjoy and benefit from the experience, however the Trust cannot support any young people that at the time of their course are subject to a youth offending order and also that if a young person has been supported by the Trust previously they are unlikely to be funded for a further course.
The Sir Francis Chichester Trust will meet the full course fee (around £1,900/person) for successful applicants and ask that they are responsible for their own transport to the Outward Bound centre of their choice. However, if transport costs are prohibitive then we will look at additional support if possible.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 23 January 2024 with interviews for those shortlisted being held 29 February and 1 March 2024. Young people applying must be available on one or other of these dates. An application form can be downloaded from the Trust website http://chichestertrust.org.uk and there’s a video clip about the course available.
This is a wonderful opportunity for young people who wouldn’t normally have a chance to undertake anything of this nature.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact:
Jill Davies
Trust Manager
The Sir Francis Chichester Trust
PO Box 142, Kingsbridge, TQ7 9BX
Mobile: 07709 941172
Email: info@chichestertrust.org.uk
Website: www.chichestertrust.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 301033
Youth Hub Devon
Youth Hub Devon works to help young people (aged 16-24) get the right training, support, and guidance for their future. Based in Exeter Library, the Youth Hub is a multi-purpose space where you can find varied employment events, workshops, study spaces, and the friendly team!
Whether it’s CV and interview support, help searching for a job or an apprenticeship, or simply some careers advice – you can find it all at the Youth Hub.
Contact Youth Devon Hub to find out more.
Exeter College
June 2023 Message from the College: We are still accepting applications for September 2023. Our final interview event takes place on 3rd July between 5-7pm. Any students applying after this date will be invited to late interviews in early September. All applying students must attend an interview to be given a conditional offer of study and will then be invited to enrol so that they can take up their offer.
Visit the College website to apply or check out the newsletter.
Young Devon – Change Academy
Young Devon provides free courses, training and support; helping you, or your child (aged 16-25), reach their full potential.
The Young Devon ‘Change Academy’ delivers a range of qualifications that provide progression routes into work or higher level training; learning skills for life and gaining valuable work experience. Young Devon provides a different way to learn, in a way that works best for you.
If you sign up you can expect:
- personal support and regular one-to-one coaching; Young Devon work with you, around your personal circumstances
- small groups, working closely together
- short or long courses
- real opportunities for work experience with local businesses, which lead to greater career opportunities
Through personalised support, Young Devon ensures successful completion of the course and the fulfilment of your next steps.
Find out more about the different options available through the Change Academy website.
Prince’s Trust Team Programme
Supporting personal development and building confidence
Free training for 16-25 year olds on a 12 week full-time course. Based in and out of the classroom; this full-time programme teaches leadership, communication and teamwork skills, through hands-on learning. Travel will be reimbursed.
Earn a Level 1 qualification by joining us in Newton Abbot for:
- outdoors activities
- work experience placements
- team building activities
- employability development
- fun community projects
Text 07779 578399 or call 01626 356720.
Email thechangeacademy@youngdevon.org or visit www.youngdevon.org.
More information
- The Traveller Movement – they have some post-16 courses that GRT home-educated children can tap into and some support programmes for families.
- Exeter College GCSE Fast Track
- Young Devon Prince’s Trust flyer