Post-16 options

When your child reaches the age of 16 they can choose to continue with home education if they wish. Alternatively, other options are detailed below.

DCC Transitioning into Adulthood Support Sessions

Join the online sessions about the help and advice available for young people preparing for adulthood.

18th Mar 13:00-14:00 ‘Training and employment opportunities’
15th Apr 13:00-14:00 ‘Independent living and housing options’
20th May 13:00-14:00 ‘Support available for parents, carers and young carers before, during and after transitions.’
17th Jun 13:00-14:00 ‘Aspirations, mental capacity and decision making’
7th Jul 13:00-14:00 ‘Money management’
16th Sept 13:00-14:00 ‘Good mental health and resilience’

Find out more and book a place on the Education and Families page.

Exeter College Newsletter and Open Events

Please use the following link to view the termly Exeter College newsletter which includes information regarding applying, open events, how the College can support you, and details regarding their International Baccalaureate (IB).

Applications are now open for entry in September 2025. Apply online exe-coll.ac.uk

The College will be holding three open events throughout Year 11.

Wednesday 20 November 2024, 16:00-20:00
Wednesday 23 April 2025, 16:00-19:00

These events provide a great opportunity to learn more about what Exeter College has to offer. All courses will be represented at the Open Events, and home educated learners will be able to visit all the city centre buildings, as well as the Construction Centre in Sowton and Technology Centre in Monkerton, during these evenings.

Click on this link to register in advance and they will send you an event programme (including a map of all the college sites) to help you plan your visit ahead of the event.

Employment Hubs Devon

There are six physical hubs in the county, providing in-person support to help young people (aged 16-24) and adults find out about different career options, jobs, and learning opportunities.

Exeter Central Library
Cullompton Library
Tiverton – Old Heathcoat School Community Centre
The Beehive Community Centre in Honiton
Barnstaple Library
Ilfracombe Family Hub

Visit the Employment hubs page to find out more.

Youth Hub Devon is part of the Employment Hub service and can be found within any of the Employment Hubs across the county. Youth Hub Devon works to support young people (aged 16-24) on their journey to training and employment, offering support with CV writing, interview support, job and apprenticeship search, other application support, and more.

To make an appointment for any of the hubs, fill out the form or email employmenthub@devon.gov.uk.

Return to a school with a sixth form if there is one in your area

You need to contact the school/college as early as possible and make an appointment to see the headteacher. Schools offer a range of courses including Advanced, A/S level and vocational courses. Your child may also be able to take GCSEs.

College of further education (FE)

When your child is 15+ (year 10) send for a prospectus (or access one online) from your local FE college and check through the qualifications they may need and the courses on offer.

Applications need to be in by January of year 11 but in the autumn term, it may be advisable to contact the admissions tutor at the college and make an appointment with a head of department or principal to talk about elective home education and your child’s achievements. You may need to take examples of work done.

Many FE colleges run open days during the year which you may wish to attend.

Work-based training or modern apprenticeships

This is an excellent route if your child wishes to start work and gain some work-based qualifications. Contact CSW Group early in year 11 since applications for work-based training are usually completed via them.

You, with the help of CSW, or on your own, will have to find an appropriate work placement with an employer prepared to take on a trainee.

The Careers and Employability Handbook (2023 Edition)

The Careers and Employability Handbook is free to view. As most career choices and preparatory steps start as children start secondary school, this 500+ paged guide will help parents/carers to start building the right foundation for their child.

Major highlights include useful guides and top tips on:
• Choosing Sixth Form Subjects.
• Applying for Medical School.
• UCAS Applications.
• Applying for Apprenticeships / Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.
• Applying to Oxford, Cambridge & Russell Group Universities.
• Applying to US Universities.
• Labour Market Information, including average earnings for various roles and for different UK regions.
• How to plan and organise your studies to achieve your career objectives.

Outdoor Careers Taster Day at Stover Country Park

Stover Country Park, near Newton Abbot, will be hosting an Outdoor Careers Taster Day as part of the three-year Restoring Stover Park Project.
The event on Thursday 6 June from 10am until 3:30pm is an opportunity for young people aged 16 to 25-years-old to meet three different companies. There will be themed sessions, rotating around the following careers: Construction with Skinner Construction Ltd and South West Norse, De-Silting/ Dredging with Murlac Ltd, and Building Surveying with Savills (UK) Ltd.
Help with travel costs is available, and lunch is provided. Please contact Emily on 07816 369083 or email restoringstoverpark@devon.gov.uk to book a place and discuss any special requirements.

Young Devon – Change Academy

Young Devon provides free courses, training and support; helping you, or your child (aged 16-25), reach their full potential.

The Young Devon ‘Change Academy’ delivers a range of qualifications that provide progression routes into work or higher level training; learning skills for life and gaining valuable work experience. Young Devon provides a different way to learn, in a way that works best for you.

If you sign up you can expect:

personal support and regular one-to-one coaching; Young Devon work with you, around your personal circumstances
small groups, working closely together
short or long courses
real opportunities for work experience with local businesses, which lead to greater career opportunities

Through personalised support, Young Devon ensures successful completion of the course and the fulfilment of your next steps.

Find out more about the different options available through the Change Academy website.

Prince’s Trust Team Programme

Supporting personal development and building confidence

Free training for 16-25 year olds on a 12 week full-time course. Based in and out of the classroom; this full-time programme teaches leadership, communication and teamwork skills, through hands-on learning. Travel will be reimbursed.

Earn a Level 1 qualification by joining us in Newton Abbot for:

outdoors activities
work experience placements
team building activities
employability development
fun community projects

Text 07779 578399 or call 01626 356720.

Email thechangeacademy@youngdevon.org or visit www.youngdevon.org.

More information

The Traveller Movement – they have some post-16 courses that GRT home-educated children can tap into and some support programmes for families.
Exeter College GCSE Fast Track
Young Devon Prince’s Trust flyer