Post-16 education for migrants
Support for migrant families
Education options for young people aged 16 and above
Statutory education in the UK ends at the age of 16 at the end of Year 11. During the year, students typically complete GCSEs (Level 2) and receive career guidance.
Young people must remain in some form of education or training until the age of 18 to develop skills and improve their employment prospects.
A levels (academic pathway)
- Preferred route for university.
- Entry: 5 GCSEs at grade 5 (including English and maths), plus subject-specific requirements.
- Providers: school sixth forms, City of Oxford College, Reading College, Henley College, Swindon College.
- Progression: university, higher/degree apprenticeships, or employment.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (vocational pathway)
- Choose one vocational subject.
- Focus on practical, work-based skills for specific job sectors.
- Entry: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (including English and maths) or BTEC Level 2.
- Providers: some school sixth forms, City of Oxford College, Banbury and Bicester College, The Henley College, Reading College and Berkshire College of Agriculture.
- Progression: skilled employment, higher education, or apprenticeships.
T levels (technical/vocational pathway) Level 3
Similar to above, with a 45-day work experience block.
Entry requirements are similar to those of the BTEC level 3 National Extended Diploma but check the information on the local college websites - see below.
Both qualifications are equivalent to three A levels.
Apprenticeships
Available for anyone aged 16 and above, combining paid work with study.
Entry: English and maths GCSE or equivalent; employer-specific requirements.
Progression: continued employment, university, or higher/degree apprenticeships.
Access to higher education (age 19 and over)
An intensive one-year course for university entry.
Entry: English and maths GCSE grade 4/Functional Skills Level 2.
Providers: City of Oxford College, Banbury and Bicester College, Abingdon and Witney College, Swindon College, Reading College, and Ruskin College.
Support for migrant young people
- Ages 16–19 not in education/training: support available from Oxfordshire County Council
- English and maths support (ESOL/Functional Skills) is available at colleges for students aged 16–19 and those aged 19 and over.
- Further support for individuals aged 16–25 who are unable to secure college places: contact post16migrants@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
- Assessment of overseas qualifications for UK equivalence: contact post16migrants@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
- Help with applications for college, apprenticeships, and university: contact post16migrants@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
If you are not in education or training
If you are aged 16-19, not in education or training, and would like support for English and maths, you can apply to college for a place on their ESOL/Functional Skills programme.
You will also have an opportunity to try out different vocational subjects, starting at a level appropriate for your ability, and progressing up the levels as time and funding allow.
Funding is available for up to three years, provided you are under the age of 19 at the time of enrolment.
If you plan to go to university but are not able to achieve the entry requirements during this time, you can apply to study the Access to Higher Education qualification when you reach the age of 19.
The Qualification and Credit Framework
The Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) shows the levels of different qualifications.