What comes after sixth form?

Bring us your child's subjects and predicted grades. We'll map every realistic apprenticeship, T-Level, and degree route open to them — and show you exactly how to apply.

What do the levels actually mean?

Every apprenticeship in England is assigned a level from 2 to 7. The level tells you how advanced the training is, what qualification your child earns, and what grades are typically needed to get in.

Level 2
Intermediate
Equivalent to 5 GCSEs

The starting point. Usually no formal qualifications required. Covers practical, job-ready skills in sectors like retail, construction, and business. A great route in from school with few or no GCSEs.

⏱ 12–18 months 📄 Certificate
Level 3
Advanced
Equivalent to 2 A-Levels

The most common school-leaver route. Typically needs 4–5 GCSEs including English and Maths. Opens doors in marketing, accounting, IT, legal, and engineering. Many lead directly into a Level 4 or 6 programme.

⏱ 1–2 years 📄 A-Level equivalent
Level 4 – 5
Higher
Equivalent to 1st–2nd year of a degree

Needs A-Levels or a strong BTEC. These are serious professional programmes — think software developer, data analyst, HR consultant, or quantity surveyor. You earn while others are paying tuition fees.

⏱ 2–3 years 📄 HNC / HND
Level 6
Degree Apprenticeship
Equivalent to a full bachelor's degree

A complete university degree — BSc, BEng, BA — earned alongside a full-time job. No tuition fees. No student debt. Employers include Google, NHS, Rolls-Royce, law firms, and the Civil Service. Typically needs BBC+ at A-Level.

⏱ 3–5 years 📄 Full bachelor's degree
Level 7
Master's Apprenticeship
Equivalent to a master's degree

The highest level — and some programmes are open to school leavers direct from sixth form. The Solicitor Apprenticeship and Chartered Accountancy (ICAEW ACA) at Level 7 are two of the most sought-after routes in the UK, with no degree required first.

⏱ 4–6 years 📄 Master's degree or professional qualification

All apprenticeships are paid employment — your child earns a salary from day one. The National Minimum Wage for apprentices applies in year one; most employers pay significantly more. Apprentices pay no tuition fees and accumulate no student debt.

Find apprenticeships that match your subjects

Select your qualification and subjects below. We'll show you every apprenticeship pathway you're eligible to explore — from Level 3 all the way to degree apprenticeships.

Step 1 — Your qualification
Step 2 — Select subjects (choose all that apply)

A personal session with one of our specialists

The tool gives you a starting map. The consultation gives you a plan. One of our apprenticeship specialists will review your child's exact subjects and grades, assess which opportunities are genuinely within reach, and walk you through how to apply — step by step.

60-minute 1-to-1 video call with a specialist
Review of all subjects, grades, and interests
Curated shortlist of realistic opportunities
Application strategy for top choices
Personal statement and interview tips
Written summary report sent after the call
From£95 per session
Book your consultation →

What happens in your consultation

Tell us about your child

Book via the form. Before the call, we'll ask you to share subjects, predicted or actual grades, and a brief note on their interests and career ideas — if they have any.

We map every realistic route

Nancy reviews the profile before the call. During the session, she walks through which apprenticeships and degree routes are genuinely within reach — and which ones to prioritise first.

You leave with a plan

A written report follows within 48 hours — shortlisted opportunities, application deadlines, what to do next, and where to go to apply. No vague advice. A specific plan.

This consultation is for you if...

University isn't the only plan

Your child is open to apprenticeships but you're not sure which are worth applying to, which employers are serious about them, or whether the routes are genuinely respected.

You want options, not just university

Results are coming up and you want a proper backup plan — or your child has already decided they'd rather earn while they learn. You need someone who knows the landscape.

School advice hasn't been enough

Career appointments are short. Advice is generic. You want someone who will actually dig into your child's profile and come back with a specific, honest recommendation.

BTEC or T-Level students

Vocational qualifications open doors that parents often don't know about — including degree apprenticeships at top firms. We know exactly which routes are open and how to apply.

Not sure where your child fits?

Use the free tool above to see what's possible. Or book a consultation and one of our specialists will map it all out for you — with a written plan to keep.