Education for young people aged 16 to 18/19 is not compulsory in Wales. They choose their course and institution depending on their future career and education interests, their previous education record and experience, and on what is available locally.
Types of institutions
Vocational education for young people over the age of 16 is largely provided by further education (FE) colleges. These major providers of full- and part-time technical and vocational courses for 16- to 18/19-year-olds (and older adults) offer a wide range of programmes (including general (academic) programmes). (For further information on colleges, see the article on ‘Main Providers’ in the 'Adult Education’ chapter.)
Approved colleges or training providers work alongside employers to offer apprenticeships and traineeships.
Although school sixth forms focus primarily on general education courses, they may also provide some vocational courses.
Statistics
Provisional statistics show participation for young people in Wales aged 16 to 18 in education and the labour market in 2017 and 2018.
| % in 2017 | % in 2018 | |
| In education ot training | 79.8 | 78.3 |
| In full or part-time employment | 36.3 | 37.6 |
| NEET (not in emplyment, education or training) | 9.4 | 10.3 |
Source:Participation of Young People in Education and the Labour Market 2017 and 2018 (Provisional), Statistical First Release, August 2019
Geographical accessibility
Local authorities (LAs) have a statutory duty to secure sufficient, suitable education and training provision for all young people in their area aged 16 to 18/19, or those up to 25 with additional learning needs. This is specified under the Education Act 1996 (as amended).
Local authorities are also expected to ensure that no young person is prevented from attending further education because of a lack of services or support, choice, costs and the need to travel beyond LA boundaries. There is, however, no statutory duty for LAs to provide free transport to young people aged 16 to 18/19, although they have discretionary powers to do so.
Further information is provided under the subheading ‘Geographical accessibility’ in the article on the ‘Organisation of General Upper Secondary Education’.
Admission requirements and choice of school
A wide range of study programmes for young people aged 16 to 18/19 aims to cater for students of all abilities. This includes those who are not yet ready for Level 2 qualifications and those with additional learning needs and disabilities.
Within this policy framework, admission to a particular programme is a matter for the individual provider, taking into account the applicant’s prior attainment and the demands of the specific study programme.
Admission arrangements for a school sixth form must, however, comply with theSchool Admissions Code.
Admissions policy for further education (FE) colleges must comply with the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010. Non-statutory guidance on the Equality Act for providers of further (and higher) education includes advice on admissions.
Age levels and grouping of pupils/students
Post-16 vocational programmes usually last two years and so are intended for 16- to 18-year-olds. Teaching groups at this level are normally determined by students’ subject choices / choice of programme. Students are taught by specialist teachers, typically in small groups. There are no regulations covering class / group sizes.
Young people aged 16 to 18/19 following apprenticeship programmes usually train in the workplace and part-time in a further education (FE) college, which they may attend once a week or in blocks of a few days or weeks. They may have one-to-one support or be taught in small groups by a tutor, teacher, workplace supervisor or manager, or their coach or mentor. This will depend on their chosen apprenticeship, their needs and the needs of their employer.
In traineeship programmes, learning opportunities are offered in a range of settings and may include work placements, community projects, or training on the premises of a young person’s chosen provider.
Organisation of the school year
Further education colleges are the main providers of vocational education and training at this level, and term dates and holidays are broadly similar to those that apply in schools. This means that there are usually three terms (autumn term, spring term and summer term), each of which is divided into two half-terms separated by a half-term holiday. There is normally a long summer break of about six weeks in July and August and shorter breaks of two to three weeks at Christmas and Easter. The dates of holidays normally take into account and cover most national public holidays, including Easter.
Organisation of the school day and week
Further education colleges enjoy autonomy with respect to the organisation of the teaching day and week. That said, for students aged 16 to 18/19 following full-time post-compulsory vocational programmes, the organisation is broadly the same as that in schools. The typical pattern is for them to be open Monday to Friday between around 9:00 am and 3:30/4:00 pm, with a break for lunch, and possible breaks in the morning and afternoon sessions.
The organisation of the day and week for young people aged 16- to 18/19 on apprenticeship or traineeship programmes varies depending on the chosen programme and on individual and employer need.
Article last reviewed April 2021.