Common Application Process (CAP)

The CAP is an online system which the school will use to allow your child to research and apply for post 16 options. They will be given a unique username and password and will be able to access the system on any computer or device with internet connection. They will be given time in year 11 to use the site and to apply, however, they are also encouraged to use the site at home. 

Options

College/Sixth Form (Further Education)

Colleges and sixth forms offer a broad range of academic and vocational courses. Courses range from level 1 through to level 3. Which level you start on depends upon your GCSE results. The idea is that you can progress through the levels, progression criteria applies so this must be checked. Most courses are full time (2-3 days spread over five). Please speak to your careers adviser for specific details on colleges and available courses.

Apprenticeships

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector. The minimum salary is £2.50 per hour; however, many apprentices earn significantly more. Entry requirements depend on the training provider and the vocational area you wish to pursue. It must be noted that in order to have an apprenticeship you must have a job! In today’s climate this may prove difficult so it is essential that you discuss full time back up options with your careers adviser.

Employment

Employment is an option for school leavers. However, options are limited and remember there is a big difference between a job and a career!  There are some financial implications for you and you parents to consider with this option. It is always advisable to have a full time back up option in place as there are no guarantees that you will secure worthwhile employment. If you decide that seeking employment is your first option upon leaving school please speak to your careers adviser who can support you with this.

UNEMPLOYMENT IS NOT A GOOD OPTION!!!

If your child decides to not secure a college place, apprenticeship or successfully gains employment they will not be able to claim any benefits (although in some ‘hardship’ cases this is possible but still difficult). Your Child Benefit and Tax Credits will also stop at this point. 

Money

As already stated your Child Benefit and Tax Credits will continue if your child manages to secure a college place. If they secure an apprenticeship, gain employment or are unemployed Child Benefit and Tax Credits will stop. 

As you will probably be aware EMA has now stopped. Each college now receives a Bursary Fund which they can use to support their students. Colleges have yet to decide on how to use the money but it is likely to involve using some of the discretionary criteria used to allocate EMA. Please contact local colleges for further information.

Year 11 Timeline of Events

September – December

Your child will have the opportunity to speak to a qualified careers adviser to discuss his/her options and possible career routes.

December

Your child will be asked to complete an online application for the colleges and courses of their choosing. This is done via the CAP (see below).

February

Your child will have interviews for college and apprenticeship places.

March – June

Your child should begin to receive offers from colleges and apprenticeship providers.

July – September

If your child has managed to secure an apprenticeship it is likely that they will be asked to start before September.

September

Colleges enrol their students and your child will officially start college.