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Young people who want to continue their education after the age of 16 and take A-levels or other further education exams have several options of where to study. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of these options? Is it better to stay on at your current school or to switch to a sixth form college somewhere else? Many schools do not have a sixth form, in which case there is no choice but to move on somewhere new.

There are several questions that need to be answered before you settle on a sixth form college. First, you need to decide what your field of study is likely to be. Many colleges are specialized, and have a very limited number of majors, such as performing arts schools or vocational schools. Also, look for colleges that have a good reputation in your field – are their graduates well-received when looking for a job? Second, determine how much you and your family can spend for tuition, fees, and other costs. Will you be able to pay the higher expense of an independent college or are you more comfortable with the price of state supported facility? Third, are you going to be able to travel?

There are several reasons to attend a sixth form college. You may be embarking on a career that requires apprenticeship or prior experience and education. You may want to continue studying some of your favorite subjects in A-level courses, especially if you have already gained high grades in them at GCSE. But not everyone is sure of where they want to go, so a sixth form college can help you find your true calling.

If you opt to remain as a sixth former at your school, you will probably earn more privileges and a higher degree of freedom than those students who are behind you. Independent study is strongly encouraged. The method of instruction will depend entirely on the place you choose, and can vary widely between each school or sixth form college. Some favor classroom lectures while others prefer a more hands-on approach with practical workshops. Even testing methods are different, and may include a continuous assessment over the term or one all-encompassing exam at the end.

Before you commit to a sixth form college, you should research all your options. Find out about the average class size, and how many graduates were able to find jobs or continue their education. Checking sixth form colleges that are near you is fairly easy, and you should take advantage of an open day to further your efforts. You will also be able to determine if the college takes a more relaxed approach or if a more stringent plan is followed. More distant colleges may be difficult to visit, but a great deal of information about each college is available on the internet. There are no limits on the number of colleges where you may apply but you do need to be sure that you meet the deadline. Every college sets their own deadline, so make sure you know what it is for each one. More popular classes fill up quickly, so you will need to apply for those in Year 11, Autumn term.

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