Next Steps: Further Education, Apprenticeships and Careers

Understanding Your Next Steps

There are many different pathways available after leaving school. The right option will depend on a student’s interests, strengths, aspirations and support needs.

Possible pathways include:

  • Further Education College
  • Sixth Form College
  • Apprenticeships
  • Supported Internships
  • Employment with Training
  • University
  • Specialist Post-16 SEND Provision

We encourage students and families to attend open events, ask questions and explore a range of options before making decisions about the future.

Which Pathway Might Be Right for Me?

Further Education College

Suitable for students who wish to continue their education through vocational, technical or academic qualifications after Year 11.

Sixth Form College

Suitable for students who wish to study mainly academic qualifications such as A Levels.

Apprenticeships

Suitable for students who would like to earn while they learn, gain workplace experience and work towards recognised qualifications.

Supported Internships

Suitable for young people aged 16-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who would benefit from additional support in the workplace.

University

Suitable for students planning to study at a higher level after completing post-16 qualifications.

Employment

Suitable for young people who are ready to enter the workplace, often alongside additional training and support.

Further Education Colleges & Open Events

Warwickshire College Group (WCG)
A group of colleges offering a wide range of technical, vocational and academic courses.

Moreton Morrell College (WCG)
Specialist land-based college offering courses in animal care, agriculture, equine and countryside management.

Rugby College (WCG)
Offers vocational, technical and academic courses.

North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College (NWSLC)
College offering vocational, technical and apprenticeship routes.

King Edward VI College, Nuneaton
Sixth form college offering A Levels and academic pathways.

Royal Leamington Spa College (WCG)
Offers a wide range of vocational and academic courses.

Solihull College & University Centre
Offers further education, apprenticeships and higher education courses.

Coventry College
Further education college offering technical, vocational and professional routes.

Evesham College (WCG)
Part of Warwickshire College Group, offering vocational and technical courses.

Pershore College (WCG)
Specialist landbased college offering horticulture, agriculture and animal studies.

SEND-Specific Pathways and Support

Specialist further education college for young people with disabilities and additional needs.

Supported Internships and Employment Pathways

Supported Internships are structured study programmes for young people aged 16-24 with an EHCP. They combine substantial workplace experience with support from education providers and employers, helping young people prepare for paid employment.

Supported Internships (Warwickshire)
https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-829341009-410

British Association for Supported Employment (BASE)
Information about supported employment, inclusive recruitment and pathways into work for young people with SEND.
https://www.base-uk.org

The King’s Trust
Supports young people to develop confidence, employability skills and enterprise opportunities.
https://www.kingstrust.org.uk

These routes can be particularly beneficial for students who may benefit from structured support, confidence building and personalised transition planning.

Apprenticeships and Work-Based Pathways

Warwickshire College Group Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship Vacancies

  • Indeed – Apprenticeships and Jobs

Warwickshire Careers Hub – Parent & Carer Guides, Choices Magazines

  • Choices Magazine (September, October and November 2024 editions available)

Choices Magazine – November Parent & Carers Guide – Amazing Apprenticeships

Universities

UCAS

  • UCAS – Higher Education Applications

De Montfort University

Coventry University

University of Warwick

Birmingham City University

University of Nottingham

Support with Choosing the Right Next Step

Choosing a next step can feel overwhelming. Students and families are encouraged to:

  • Attend open days and open evenings
  • Speak with admissions teams
  • Use careers interviews and guidance sessions
  • Explore both academic and vocational routes
  • Consider travel arrangements
  • Think about independence skills and support available
  • Consider which environment best supports learning, wellbeing and future aspirations

Remember that there is no single “right” pathway. Different students thrive in different environments, and the best next step is one that matches the student’s individual strengths, interests and goals.

Need Further Support?

If you would like advice regarding further education, apprenticeships, supported internships, employment pathways or transition planning, please contact:

Careers and Personal Development Lead
Corinne Clarke

SENDCo
Pauline Brett

Students can also access support through our independent careers adviser as part of the school’s careers programme.

About This Page

This page has been created to support parents and carers of students at Mill House School in understanding the range of next-step options available after school.

It brings together key information about further education, apprenticeships, supported pathways and careers guidance, alongside a practical parent and carer checklist to help families plan and prepare for transition into adulthood.

The information has been designed to support open discussions at home, informed decision-making and partnership working between families, students and the school.

Parents and carers are encouraged to use this document alongside school support and external guidance when exploring next steps with their young person.

Mill House School Parent Check List

Review and Quality Assurance

This page is reviewed annually to ensure that all information remains accurate, relevant and up to date.

Last Reviewed: October 2026
Next Review Due: October 2027

Information is updated using guidance and resources from:

  • Local Authorities (Coventry and Warwickshire)
  • Education and Training Providers
  • National Careers Organisations

Gatsby Benchmarks Compliance

This page supports Mill House School’s careers programme and demonstrates alignment with the Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance, particularly:

  • Benchmark 2 – Learning from Career and Labour Market Information
  • Benchmark 3 – Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil
  • Benchmark 7 – Encounters with Further and Higher Education
  • Benchmark 8 – Personal Guidance

Mill House School is committed to providing impartial, inclusive and high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) to support every student in achieving a positive destination and successful future.