Postsecondary Education Options For 2025

In the UK, secondary school education ends at 16 years old. Still, legally, you must engage in education or training until 18. Following GCSEs, you’d traditionally enter postsecondary education and study A-Levels. Today, this is only the case in some circumstances. You have many options for your skills, learning preferences, interests, and career aspirations. 

In this article, you’ll discover various postsecondary education options, the benefits of using this time wisely, and how it can help you enter higher education. 

What is a post-secondary education?

Post-secondary education, also known as post-16 education or further education (FE), occurs following secondary school. It doesn’t include higher education (HE), which occurs at the university level. FE typically excludes education at universities and encompasses a range of options, from those taught at school sixth forms and sixth-form colleges, such as A-Levels and BTECS, to vocational courses taught in college or the workplace. 

Types of post-secondary education

When you reach 16 and finish secondary school, various study and training options are available. Whether you want to follow an academic route studying A-levels or looking for something hands-on and vocational, you’ll find courses to continue your education until the statutory age of 18 or beyond.  

A-Levels

A-levels (or advanced level qualifications) are the traditional post-16 option, especially if you want to access university. A-Levels are classroom-based academic qualifications offered in various subjects, from maths and English to more niche subjects such as film studies and sports science. You’ll likely take three A-Levels at the same time over two years and undergo examinations as the primary form of assessment. 

BTEC National Diploma

You can study a BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) in sixth form or college, as these vocational qualifications are widely available and widely accepted by higher education institutions. BTEC National Diplomas are work-based and cover a specific area of business. They typically take one to two years to complete and are the equivalent of three A-Levels. Possible BTECs include childcare, engineering, business, and hospitality. 

T-Levels

T-Levels are a relatively new post-secondary qualification offered as an alternative to A-Levels in colleges and schools across the UK. They are designed in partnership with various industry bodies and cover a range of sectors such as business, education, and engineering. A single T-Level qualification equals three A-Levels. Like A-Levels, T-Levels are largely classroom-based but include an industry placement, allowing for hands-on experience. 

Apprenticeships

If you choose an apprenticeship route, you earn a qualification while you work through day release to college. Apprenticeships are available at different levels, with an advanced apprenticeship at the FE level equivalent to two A-Levels. You can choose an apprenticeship in various professions and job sectors, including retail, marketing, business, and IT, and earn a salary while earning a qualification and valuable work experience.

Supported internships

A supported internship typically lasts one year and is a vocational programme for young people with a special educational need or disability (SEND) on education, health, and care (EHC) plan. The internship includes work placements and support from a job coach. 

What is the value of a post-secondary education?

Post-secondary education is a compulsory step towards employment or higher education. Your choices at age 16 can greatly impact your next steps, so choosing wisely and weighing your options makes sense. You’ll find many benefits to postsecondary education. Let’s review some of them in more detail. 

Job prospects can increase

Adding an FE qualification to your CV enhances your career prospects, especially if you have chosen something relevant to what you’re looking to do. If you choose a vocational course, you get a qualification and work experience that employers value. If you take an apprenticeship, your employment opportunities are particularly good, with employers offering 90 percent of apprentices permanent employment after finishing their apprenticeship [1]. 

Opportunity to pursue your passions

Post-secondary education provides you with more than just a chance for employment. It also allows you to find something you love that you wish to pursue. If you have a clear passion and know what you want to do for a career, you may choose subjects and qualifications that you can tailor to that area. If not, think of FE as a way to find things you enjoy and to try new pursuits. Keeping your choices general means you’re not confined and can try a broader range of subjects, building your confidence and interest as you go. 

Enhance personal skills

Post-secondary education supports you in developing a range of personal skills that can benefit you for your life. Examples include critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.

Sets you up for higher education (HE)

Along with entry to employment, post-secondary education is essential if you want to enter higher education at university or take degree-level courses like higher or degree-level apprenticeships. To access the university, you generally need a certain amount of UCAS tariff points, which you earn based on the FE courses and grades you achieve.

How to decide whether to move on to higher education 

If you’ve finished your post-secondary studies and are considering what to do next, university or some other form of higher education may be in your plan. It’s a big decision to weigh up, so it may be helpful to consider the following tips while making your choices. 

Attend university open days.

Reading about courses and universities is helpful, but visiting gives you a natural feel for the place and whether it’s right for you. It allows you to meet tutors and students, see the facilities, and ask any questions.

Talk to other students.

Talking to learners or people who have attended university or taken other higher education courses offers a great resource. They can tell you firsthand about life as a learner, things that went well, challenges, and things to look out for. 

Ask current teachers and career advisors.

Schools and colleges have dedicated career advisors who support you in deciding whether to continue higher education by giving impartial advice and resources. They may assist in completing your course applications.

Do research.

It’s helpful to remain informed about all the options available. UCAS and the National Careers Service are excellent resources. You can also check the websites, prospectuses, and resources your college careers service offers. 

Getting started with Coursera

Suppose you are considering your options for your post-secondary education and are still determining what you want to do. In that case, online courses may be a valuable way to build knowledge and narrow your choices. They can help build your workplace skills, bolster your CV, and allow you to try new things. A great option is a Professional Certificate, which comes in various subjects from leading global institutions on Coursera.