The September Guarantee
Friday 12 June 2009
The Government is guaranteeing all Year 11 leavers a place at school, college or with a training provider by the end of September.
After Year 11
Do you come under one of these categories?
- I’m leaving Year 11 this year
- I left Year 11 last year and wish that I had applied to school or college
- I left Year 11 last year and left a course I started
- I’m 17 and enrolled on a one year or short course after school
If one of those applies to you then the Government is guaranteeing you an offer at a school, college or training provider by the end of September!
What’s the offer?
The offer can be:-
- Full or part-time education in a school sixth form, sixth form college or further education (FE) college
- An apprenticeship
- Entry to Employment (E2E)
- Employment with training to NVQ level 2
The offer must meet your needs. So, it will have to take account of the qualifications you already have, be somewhere that you can travel to, and the sort of learning you want to do.
What’s an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship could be a good option if you want to work but carry on learning at the same time, or you’re already working and want to get more qualifications. They allow you to start work and earn a decent wage, while learning new skills that will lead to nationally recognised qualifications.
Find out all about apprenticeships.
Whats E2E?
E2Es are for 16 - 18 year olds who live in England and are not in any form of post-16 learning.
The idea is that you take courses in three core areas: basic and key skills, vocational development and personal and social development.
The courses will be for 30 hours a week, for a minimum of 10 weeks. You could start by attending for 16 hours a week, but you will have to build this up to 30 hours as soon as possible. Attendance hours will depend on your learning capacity, aspirations, needs and progression choices.
E2E then leads to an apprenticeship, further learning or a job.
Why go to college?
It’s all about having more options. If you go to college, you will increase the your number of employment options. Going to college teaches you communication and organisational skills! It’s very different from secondary school, you’ll get much more freedom.
Find out more about further education
Benefits
If your parents receives Child Benefit, they can still do so if you go to to sixth form college, FE College or start certain funded training programme.
You can also apply for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). Find out how.
Find out more
If you haven't arranged your place yet or you want to go back into learning, check out the courses available in your local area, or contact your local Connexions Adviser.
