This is a collaborative post.
While education is compulsory until 18, schooling is compulsory to 16, thus post-16 education can take a number of forms, and may be academic or vocational. Therefore, A levels as such are not a compulsory for children to take however, a leading independent Sixth Form College in Hendon recognises that A levels are a crucial aspect of a young person’s academic journey. Read below to find out more about the benefits of your child deciding to undertake A levels for their post-16 education.
Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A levels over two years. They’re usually assessed by a series of examinations.
Moving from GCSE level to A level can often be quite challenging because A levels require more independent and detailed study. Often there will be requirements needed to be able to get onto A Level course. The specific requirements needed to study A levels will vary across schools and colleges. It’s important for your child to check what they will need with the school or college that they are looking to study at.
If your child is thinking about going to University, most higher education courses require specific A levels or combinations of A levels. Even if your child is not considering university and is not sure what career or job they want to do, studying a selection of A levels can be a good way of keeping their options open.
Although A levels are not compulsory it is important to consider the advantages of your child studying them post 16. The key advantages include; your child developing their independent learning skills; the option to continuing study after completion at a University; the opportunity to go onto a vocational courses and the opportunity to seek employment being able demonstrate a higher level of education.