Children aged between 14 and 19 have a range of educational options that lead to valuable qualifications and can progress to further learning at university or college, apprenticeship, or employment.
Children can remain in school, or you can explore other options that are available from the beginning of Year 10.
This does not mean that you must move your child from their existing school if you feel this is still the best choice for them.
To help inform your decision on whether an alternative option is the right choice for your child, you may wish to speak to your current school’s Careers Leader to discuss their options and opportunities for progression.
You may also wish to make use of the National Careers Service, which offers free impartial advice and guidance on careers, skills and the labour market for anyone aged 13+. Careers information, advice and guidance is crucial to help people to develop the skills and experience that they need to achieve a fulfilling and rewarding career and their website has information about different careers and learning options, as well as details on how to speak to an adviser via web chat and the helpline.
You may also find this list of useful work and training resources available in Warwickshire helpful.
University Technical College (UTC) or Studio School
If your child is currently in Year 9, they are eligible to apply for a place at a University Technical College (UTC) or a Studio School to start at the beginning of Year 10 in September.
UTCs and Studio Schools admit pupils at the beginning of Year 10 and supply technically oriented courses of study or work skill-based learning for 14- to 19-year-olds.
UTCs are set up by universities and businesses and specialise in one or two technical subjects. At GCSE they offer a similar curriculum to a typical 11-18 secondary school, including English and Maths as well as their specialist subject.
Studio Schools are like UTCs in that they have employer involvement in the curriculum and focus on developing skills needed for employment, involving personal coaching and work experience. They have a similar curriculum to a typical secondary school.
If you are interested in applying for a place at a UTC or Studio School, you will need to contact them directly for more information.
Although there are currently no UTCs or studio schools in Warwickshire, you can still apply for a place for your child at a UTC or Studio School outside of Warwickshire. Below is a list of some options from the wider Midlands region, but you can search for others on the UTC website.
- WMG Academy for Young Engineers (Solihull) Digital Media & Engineering
- WMG Academy for Young Engineers (Coventry) Engineering & Science
- Silverstone UTC Business and Technical Events (Towcester) Management & High-Performance Engineering
- Aston University Engineering Academy (Birmingham) Engineering & Science
- BOA (Birmingham) Creative, Digital and Performing Arts.
- Stephenson Studio School (Leicester)
- Waverley Studio School (Birmingham)