Post-16 Pathways

If you’re currently in Year 9, the way you study after Year 11 could look a little different from what it does for students starting college now. 

Over the next five years, colleges across the UK are introducing new types of courses, giving you more options to choose from based on what you enjoy, what you’re good at and what you want to do in the future. 

These changes are already happening. New V Levels are being introduced from 2027, while more T Levels are being added in different subject areas. 

If you’re in Year 9 now, you’ll be one of the first groups to experience these new study options when you leave school. 

V Levels  

V Levels are new Level 3 qualifications, designed to give you a mix of practical, work-related skills and knowledge about a certain industry. 

One V Level will be the same size as one A Level, so you can combine V Levels and A Levels to create a study programme that suits your interests and future plans. 

At Middlesbrough College, you’ll be able to study V Level Accounting and Finance from 2027. From 2028, more V Levels will be introduced, including Construction Design, Engineering and Manufacturing, Health, Legal and Marketing, with more subjects planned.

T Levels 

T Levels are Level 3 courses that combine classroom learning with real-world experience. 

You’ll spend time learning at college and complete a 45-day industry placement, giving you the chance to develop practical skills and experience in a real workplace. 

Middlesbrough College is expanding its T Level courses, with more subjects moving from traditional BTEC or vocational courses to T Levels. 

Level 2 Pathways 

There will be two distinct pathways for Level 2 learners, each providing a clear route to either higher education, or moving into employment or an apprenticeship. 

Further Study Pathway – This pathway helps you to build your skills and prepare to move into a Level 3 course, such as an A Level, V Level or T Level. 

Occupational Pathway – These are two-year courses designed to help you develop practical, job-ready skills. They can prepare you to move directly into skilled employment or an apprenticeship.

These changes mean there will be more ways to choose a course to fit your future goals. Whether you want to go into university, start an apprenticeship or go straight into employment, your study programme can help you take the next steps towards your future. 

When you finish Year 11, there are lots of different routes you can take. The right pathway for you will be dependent on what you enjoy, how you like to learn and what you want to do in the future.  

Here’s a simple guide to the different options available at Middlesbrough College.

If you need to develop your skills and knowledge before moving into a Level 2 course, an Entry Level or Level 1 course can help you take that next step. 

Further Study Pathway

The Foundation Certificates are one-year courses designed to help you build your knowledge and skills before moving onto a Level 3 course. You can also re-sit English language and maths if you need to.  

After completing the course, you can progress onto an A Level, V Level or T Level.

Occupational Pathway

The Occupational Certificate are two-year courses for you if you want to develop practical, job-ready skills. You’ll have opportunities to meet employers and gain experience, helping you prepare for the world of work.  

After completing the course, you can move into skilled employment or an apprenticeship.

Foundation Apprenticeship

An eight-month programme designed to give you a head start in the workplace. You’ll work on real projects in your chosen industry, building the skills and experience you need to progress onto an apprenticeship.

After completing the programme, you can move into a full appreticeship.

A Level

These are two-year, academic courses focused on subjects such as Biology, English, Geography or History.  

You’ll usually choose three subjects and learn mainly in the classroom, with a mixture of exams and coursework.  

A Levels can help you progress to university, a higher apprenticeship or employment.

V Level

These are two-year courses focused on practical, career-related skills and knowledge. You can choose three subjects and can combine V Levels with A Levels.  

They’re a good option if you want a more practical style of learning but don’t necessarily want to do the specialist route of a T Level.  

V Levels can lead to university, a higher apprenticeship or employment. 

T Level

These are two-year, technical courses focused on a particular industry or career. You’ll spend most of your time at college and complete a 45-day industry placement, giving you valuable experience in the workplace.  

A T Level is the equivalent of three A Levels or three V Levels and is ideal if you want a more specalised, hands-on route. 

T Levels can lead to university, a higher apprenticeship or employment.

Apprenticeship

These allow you to earn while you learn. 

You’ll be employed by a business and spend time working in your chosen industry, while also completing structured training at college or online. 

Apprenticeships can be competitive, so you’ll usually need to apply and attend an interview. Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you could continue your career with the company, move into another role or progress into a higher apprenticeship. 

Once you have successfully completed your Level 3 qualifications, you are ready to progress into employment, onto university, or combine both with a higher apprenticeship. 

Our Careers Team offer free advice, information and guidance to support you at every stage of your journey. Throughout your time at Middlesbrough College, you will be given opportunities to meet with the Careers Team and discuss future plans after college.  

Also, your education journey can continue with Middlesbrough College; at University Centre Middlesbrough, you can continue to expand your knowledge of a particular subject with courses at Level 4 through to Level 6.  

Your GCSE results will help you decide which level is the right starting point for you. 

If you achieve strong grades across several GCSEs, you may be able to start on a Level 3 course, such as A Levels, V Levels or T Levels. 

If you don’t get the grades you hoped for, don’t worry! There are still lots of options available. You could start on an Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2 course to build your skills and work towards the qualifications you need to progress. 

Depending on your GCSE results, you may also continue studying English language and/or maths alongside your main course, helping you work towards a Grade 4 or above. 

The best pathway for you depends on what you want to do in the future and how you like to learn. 

A Level 2 Foundation Certificate can help you build the skills you need before progressing onto a Level 3 course, such as an A Level, V Level or T Level. 

These Level 3 qualifications can then help you progress onto university. 

If you already have a good idea of the job or industry you want to work in, a Level 2 Occupational Certificate could be a great choice. 

You’ll develop practical, job-ready skills and gain experience that can help you move into skilled employment or an apprenticeship. 

An apprenticeship could be the right choice for you. You’ll work for an employer, earn a wage and gain qualifications at the same time. 

If you’re not quite ready for an apprenticeship, a Foundation Apprenticeship can give you experience and help you build the skills you need to progress. 

Apprenticeships can be competitive, so it’s a good idea to apply for a full-time Level 2 or Level 3 course as well, giving you another option for your next step.