Once you’ve passed your GCSEs, there are several routes you can take.
You might think you have to choose between an academic path (e.g. A-levels), or a vocational one. But did you know you can actually mix A-levels and vocational qualifications? Our experts explain.
In this short film, our team of experts explain why mixing A-levels and vocational qualifications might be right for you.
"There are various options available for you post 16. It could be that you want to do a vocational qualification, which involves some coursework and lots of group work, or it could be that you want to do a more traditional A-level route, or you could do a combination of both."
"A mixture of A-levels and vocational qualifications can be really useful. For some vocational qualifications, if you do that course, you’ll just be doing that one course on its own over the one or two years you’re at college, which is fine if you know that you specifically want to go down that particular career path. But if you’re not sure, you can do a mix of A-levels and vocational qualifications. And by doing that, you keep a wider range of options open."
"So, it’s really important to consider all your options and think about, 'How best do I work?' 'What kind of method of study, methodof being assessed, do I prefer?'"
"The good news is that universities are very, very open to vocational qualifications, particularly when there’s a mix of A-levels there, so you’re not in any way limiting your options, on that front. And what you can consider is that if you mix it with maybe some core A-level subjects, maybe what we call the facilitating subjects, like Maths, English, Chemistry, those kind of subjects, with something more vocational around IT, for example, you could feel that actually, you’re getting the skills for the workplace of the future alongside keeping your options open, so it can be something that is a great option for you."
Are you thinking of mixing?
- In general, when you take a vocational qualification you will be studying that subject on its own over the one or two years you’re at college. This is very useful if you’re 100% sure that is the career for you
Find out more about switching to a vocational pathway
- But if you’re not sure, or if you simply want to keep your options open, you can mix your vocational qualifications with A-levels. By doing that, you keep a wider range of options open
- The great thing is that universities are very open to this option
- You could mix core A-level subjects (also called facilitating subjects) like Maths, English or Chemistry, with something more vocational, for example IT. This means you’re keeping your options open while getting excellent skills and qualifications for future study and work
- Ask yourself: How do I work? What method of being assessed do I prefer? Do I enjoy academic study and can I cope with exams, or would I prefer to be more hands-on and to be assessed mainly through coursework?
- If you're based in England, you could also consider doing a T-level. Find out more: What are T-levels? Get the lowdown
Advice on decision-making and forging your own path
- And don’t forget to talk to your teachers and career advisers – they know their stuff and will be happy to help.
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