Pathways After Year 11

Year 11 students have a variety of options upon graduating from MEA. They have the opportunities to discuss these pathways with our Careers Adviser, during their Careers Education, and at our Year 11 Careers and Information Evening, held early in the Autumn term.

Click here for an overview of pathways after leaving MEA.

Detailed Pathway Information & Resources

The tabs below contain helpful guidance for students and parents/carers on specific post-16 choices.

Apprenticeships combine practical training in employment with study.

Apprentices train with experienced professionals while on the job, and receive a wage and statutory employee benefits. This is a great way for young people to specialise in an area that interests them and start their career at the same time. During training, young people learn job-specific skills and can continue to pursue apprenticeships at higher levels to become more highly qualified in their chosen area.

Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete, depending on their level. Entry requirements vary, but good English and Maths grades are essential; achieving GCSE grade 4 or above in these subjects will offer more choices.

For more information and advice about apprenticeships, see the links below:

Free Workshops & Webinars at Amazing Apprenticeships

September 2024 Parents & Carers Pack

The Apprenticeship Guide

GOV.UK Become an Apprentice

UCAS - Apprenticeships in England

Some students may wish to go straight into employment after finishing at MEA. Our Careers Advisers are available to help Year 11 students explore this possibility, along with the best pathways they can take. The National Careers Service linked below is also a helpful resource for personalised careers advice and information.

GOV.UK National Careers Service

Post-16 Qualifications

For students aspiring to pursue post-16 education, there are many colleges in the Manchester area offering further academic study. Achieving higher academinc qualifications like A Levels, IB (International Baccalaureate), or BTECs opens pathways to university and higher level study, and we aim to support every student with this aspiration. Below is a guide to the qualification ladder.

Qualification Routes

College Open Events

Many Colleges and Sixth Forms in the area offer Open Events for prospective students to visit and discuss their options, meet staff and current students, and get a sense of the community. Some colleges specialise in particular subjects, and we encourage students to reflect on where they might best acheive their goals.

Open Event Dates at Colleges in Greater Manchester

Links to Post-16 Providers

Aquinas CollegeCheadle Sixth Form College

Marple Sixth Form College

Loreto Sixth Form College

Parrs Wood Sixth Form College

Stockport College

The Manchester College

Trafford College

Xaverian College

Volunteering in the local community is an excellent way to add to students' CVs, as well as investigating fields or industries they might be interested in. It allows students to get a taste of what a place might be like to work in while gaining useful skills and experience. 

Students who complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award will already have some volunteering experience as part of the Award.

Below are some useful links for more information on volunteering in Manchester.

Volunteering Opportunities in Manchester

Restless Volunteering