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Post 16 Options
Whitstone School is a year 7-11 school, and we are committed to ensuring the most suitable continuation of education for our students after their GCSEs.
Our careers team work with many local colleges, apprenticeship providers and 6th Forms to make sure our students are set on the best path to continue striving toward their aspirations after their time at Whitstone School.
Further information about careers guidance at Whitstone School is available here.
On this page you will find a host of information and links to help you and your child make those important decisions about their education after they leave Whitstone School.
Apprenticeships
To find an apprenticeship through the government website please click here
Companies with appreticeships & how to find an apprenticeship
Apprenticeship support:
● https://amazingapprenticeships.com/about-ask/
● https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship - register for vacancies
● Contact National Apprenticeship Service on 0800 150 600
T-Levels
T-Levels Helpline: 0800 150 600
Next Steps South West
Next Steps South West offers impartial information and support to help young people navigate their own personal journey to higher education.
As part of the Office for Students' Uni Connect Programme they represent fourteen partner universities and colleges. They deliver events and activities designed to educate and inspire young people aged 13-19 years old, and those that influence them, such as parents and carers. Their work is totally unbiased to ensure everyone can make the decision that's right for their future. From course listings to careers, finance to student life - find all the information you need at www.nextstepssw.ac.uk
Career Pilot
CareerPilot have lots of post 16 information for parents and carers on their website - click here to access.
Somerset TalentEd Academy
The Somerset TalentEd Academy takes you inside Somerset's key employment sectors and introduces you to a wide range of local employers. This is your opportunity to explore your interests and find out which industries best suit your skills and passions.
Click here for more information: Somerset TalentEd Academy Resources (somerset-ebp.co.uk)
Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network
'DSTPN provides information about providers and provision for apprenticeships and other post 16 progression programmes and opportunities available in Somerset and Dorset and aims to support students, parents and teachers with the information gathering process.
For more information click here: https://dstpn.co.uk/your-future/
Labour Market Information
Whitstone School has a duty to provide all parents, students and staff with the labour market information (LMI). This information is currently taught through PSHE curriculum. Please click on the links below for further information.
Speakers for Schools - Work Experience opportunity portal
Aimed at all year 10 and 11 as enhancement of current careers programme. It offers a range of experiences at end of July which students can register for online via the link. Click here to start your search.
For the information on all the upcoming open days please click here for the latest letter
Latest Updates From Local Further Education Providers (Open Days etc.)
Bath College (including Somer Valley site)
Bath College is a Further and Higher Education College at the heart of Bath & NE Somerset. Bath College offer Vocational and Professional courses, Apprenticeships, and Foundation Learning programmes for post-16 learners. The College has two campuses, one in Bath City Centre and one in Radstock. At Bath College we provide innovative training to develop skills, inspire individuals, enrich the wider community and encourage all to achieve and progress.
CONTACT DETAILS
www.bathcollege.ac.uk | info@bathcollege.ac.uk | 01225 328720
For further information on Bath college click here
Bridgwater and Taunton College
Bridgwater & Taunton College is located in the heart of Somerset, with main centres in Bridgwater, Taunton and Cannington, the College has an excellent reputation as a highly successful provider of education and training and aims to help students to fulfill their potential and become the best they can be. Bridgwater and Taunton College offers a broad and diverse range of subjects and qualifications to suit the needs and learning styles of all of their students.
The courses combine real-world experience with academic rigour and fantastic employability. By studying with us, you’ll be given all the support you need to go in whichever direction you choose. Our tutors meet with students regularly to offer encouragement and guidance and, if needed, extra support.
OPEN DAYS
BRIDGWATER CAMPUS
· Tuesday 8 October 2024, 6pm-8pm
· Wednesday 15 January 2025, 6pm-8pm
· Thursday 26 June 2025, 6pm-8pm (incl Talent Pool Apprenticeship matching event)
TAUNTON CAMPUS
· Wednesday 9 October 2024, 6pm-8pm
· Thursday 16 January 2025, 6pm-8pm
· Tuesday 24 June 2025, 6pm-8pm (incl Talent Pool Apprenticeship matching event)
CANNINGTON CAMPUS
· Saturday 9 November 2024, 10am-1pm
· Saturday 25 January 2025, 10am-1pm
· Wednesday 30 April 2025, 6pm-8pm
CONTACT DETAILS
www.btc.ac.uk | info@btc.ac.uk | 01278 455464
For the latest prospectus please click here
Yeovil College
The ‘top performing college’ in the whole of Somerset, Yeovil College is passionate about helping their students to achieve their dreams by providing responsive and flexible support. A College journey is more than just studying. At Yeovil College you’ll discover fabulous facilities, explore incredible opportunities and share awesome experiences with friends. Whilst on campus you’ll have fun and enjoy life in first class facilities. You’ll embrace independence, make lifelong friends and enjoy a great social scene here on campus.
OPEN DAYS
Yeovil College are offering bespoke Campus tours; the tours will be taking place the first Wednesday of every month. The first available tour will be Wednesday 1st May between 4pm till 5pm.
Yeovil College would love to invite you to see their brand-new learning spaces, facilities, inspirational workshops, and the opening of brand-new buildings.
If you wish to book a place for their latest tour, please follow the link here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yeovil-college-campus-tours-tickets-883993356927?aff=oddtdtcreator “
CONTACT DETAILS
www.yeovil.ac.uk | enrol@yeovil.ac.uk | 01935 423921
Kingston Maurward College
Kingston Maurward College is a vibrant and growing land-based College, nestled in the heart of Dorset. We specialise in providing a wide range of full-time, short courses and university level courses to help you grow your career. Kingston Maurward College is graded as a GOOD College by Ofsted.
Kingston Maurward College has a number of open day and evening events upcoming. For more information please visit their website here
Strode College
Strode College boasts an extensive range of A Levels, Vocational courses, Apprenticeships and new T Levels to choose from. In many cases, Strode College students far exceed expectations and outperform their target grades, placing the College in the top 10% of colleges nationally and making Strode one of the top performing colleges in the South West of England.
At Strode College, every individual, no matter what their starting point is, has the potential to achieve great things. Students are encouraged to be ambitious and believe they can succeed; the College helps them to realise their potential, maximise results and achieve success.
CONTACT DETAILS
www.strode-college.ac.uk | courseinfo@strode-college.ac.uk | 01458 844400
For information on courses click here
Sexey’s Sixth form
Sexey’s Sixth is a happy, sociable, inclusive place where lifelong friends are made. They have a ‘melting pot’ of students, including their own Year 11 and a large number of students from other schools, attracted by smaller class sizes, academic success, and a warm welcome. Some students travel from further afield in the UK and abroad and board.
Sexey’s Sixth provides a structured working environment without stifling individual creativity and initiative.
CONTACT DETAILS
http://www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk/sixth-form/ | enquiries@sexeys.somerset.sch.uk | 01749 813393
Contact the school directly https://www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk for more information
The Blue School (Wells - sixth form)
The Blue is one of the largest school sixth forms in Somerset with 280 students enrolled in the current academic year.
We have consistently achieved outstanding results at A level, matched by similar success with our BTEC courses.
Amongst the many advantages of joining The Blue, students benefit from experienced and well-qualified teaching staff, whole academic year teaching to the end of exams in Year 13 and a vibrant enrichment programme.
As well as our own students, we welcome and encourage applications from students who have previously attended other schools or colleges in the area.
For more information please click here
For a copy of the latest prospectus click here
You can email: sixthform@theblueschool.somerset.sch.uk for more information.
Weston College
Weston College has a wide range of courses to suit all learning styles
Weston College is an award-winning college of further and higher education in Weston-super-Mare. It provides education and vocational training to nearly 30,000 learners across the country.
We put the learner first and are entrepreneurial in our approach and innovative in our thinking. As a college, we are ambitious and aspirational and are responsive to the needs of students, staff, businesses, and the community.
We are Weston College. We are Creating Brighter Futures.
MNSP Sixth Form
The Midsomer Norton Schools' Partnership was founded in 2009 following the hard federation between Norton Hill and Somervale Secondary Schools. Since this point the Trust has grown to include other secondary schools and a large number of primary schools, which are all located in the Southwest of England.
MNSP are offering online and in person tours this year. Please check their website: https://sites.google.com/nortonhillschool.com/sixth-form-landing-page/home where you can also view links to the other Sixth form sites at Writhlington school and at Somerset Studio school
Email: sixthformadmin@msnsixth.com if you have any queries about any of the 3 sites and what they offer.
Train4all
Specialist provider of training for construction and engineering based in Somerton
Train4All is a specialist provider of training for the Engineering and Construction industry, offering qualifications in such trades as plumbing, plastering, electrics, bricklaying and carpentry among many more. They provide apprenticeships, traineeships, NVQs, CSCS, SSSTS and SMSTS Training and more, perfect for students who aspire to start their career in the construction industry.
CONTACT DETAILS
www.train4all.co.uk | enquiries@train4all.co.uk | 01458 274043
Contact via website: https://train4all.co.uk/
Apprenticeship support:
● https://amazingapprenticeships.com/about-ask/
● https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship - register for vacancies
● Contact National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 400
Robins Foundation (in association with Bristol City FC)
To see the latest prospectus click here
Exeter Maths School
Exeter Mathematics School (EMS) is an Ofsted Outstanding, state-funded 6th form specially designed for young people who love maths, physics and computing. We’re open to enthusiastic and adventurous students from all over Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset – and offer great accommodation if you’re too far away for a daily commute.
Our pioneering formula is all about freeing you up to explore the subjects you love inside out. That means fewer rules, more mind-bending maths challenges and a really supportive, family ethos that allows you to be yourself.
For more information on applying click here
Thales
Additional information/ websites:
Career pilot - for help researching or additional information on a range of career related issues: https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/
Students: please let Miss Pickaver know when and where you have applied so that contact can be made with the relevant college and processing of applications can be monitored. For Miss Pickaver’s email click here