Thinking about your plans for September after you finish school, but not sure which of our study options is right for you?
We know that planning your future can sometimes feel overwhelming. It can feel like there are hundreds of options for you to choose from, making it difficult to decide what to do next.
When you finish school, you can choose from study programmes, A Levels or Apprenticeships - all of which will focus on your personal and academic development, and your progression, to help you achieve your career goals.
But what’s the difference between each one? The pros, the cons. The features that excite you most and match your preferred style of learning.
To try and help put your mind at ease, we’ve included all the key information below so that you can work out which option best suits you:
Study Programmes
If you want to stay in full-time education and are keen on the idea of achieving job-specific technical qualifications, our study programmes will be perfect for you!
Study programmes are practical and prepare you with skills for a specific career. You will gain a wealth of background knowledge in your chosen subject. You will learn career-specific skills in facilities that replicate the ones you’ll eventually work in, have opportunities to work with employers and amazing support networks.
Key features include:
- Full-time study
- Job-specific technical qualifications
- Develop your skills in facilities that are the same as in the workplace
- Gain career experience
Typical study programme entry requirements include:
Entry Level - No formal qualifications but you will be invited for an interview/assessment.
Level 1 - 4 GCSEs at grade 2, including English Language.
Level 2 - 4 GCSEs at grade 3, including English Language. Some study programmes with high practical content will require you to start at Level 1 as you will need to build skills in these areas.
Level 3 - 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, plus a grade 4 or above in English Language. Some study programmes with high practical content will require you to start at Level 1 as you will need to build skills in these areas.
Take a look at all courses we have to offer here.
A Levels at The Sheffield Sixth Form
If an academic approach to learning suits you best and you fancy studying more than one subject at a time, A Levels are the perfect option for you.
A Levels at The Sheffield Sixth Form are varied and exciting, with subjects ranging from Criminology and Film Studies to Fine Art and Politics. You can study three or four A Levels at the same time, allowing you to tailor your study to a specific career path or university course, or to keep your options open for the future.
You will study A Levels for two years at The Sheffield Sixth Form at our City Campus, in our dedicated sixth form facility which is equipped with the latest technology, interactive classrooms, a common room and plenty of social spaces.
Key features include:
- Full-time study
- Study 3 or 4 subjects to tailor your learning to your career pathway
- Exam and coursework assessments
- Exclusive facilities in the city centre
Typical entry requirements include:
3 A Levels - 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or higher, including GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths
4 A Levels - 6 GCSEs at grade 6 or higher, including GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths
Apprenticeships
If you’re keen to develop your knowledge in the workplace more than in the classroom and to gain real life industry experience, then an Apprenticeship could be a great option for you.
Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn and improve your job prospects. At The Sheffield College, we offer Apprenticeships in 13 different sectors all the way from hospitality to engineering, giving you plenty of options to find the career that’s best for you.
Key features include:
- Employment in a full-time job
- Typically attend college one day a week to complete your qualification
- Learn on the job
- Earn a wage
Typical Apprenticeship entry requirements include:
Intermediate Apprenticeship - 4 GCSEs of a minimum grade 3, including a minimum grade 3 in GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths*
Advanced Apprenticeship - 4 GCSEs of a minimum grade 4, including a minimum grade 4 in GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths*
* Please note some employers will ask for grades higher than the above.
Take a look at our live Apprenticeship vacancies here.
Once you’ve worked out what qualification you would like to pursue, now’s the best time to attend a sector-specific Open Day at The Sheffield College. An Open Day will help to give you a clear idea of which careers you’d like to follow, as well as what you need to do to get there. You’ll also be able to apply for any courses you’d like to undertake on the night, so that you can start stepping onto your career path right away.
