What happens after 16? A levels, BTEC, T Levels and the duty to stay in education until 18

Who does this apply to?

• This is general information. It does not assess anyone's personal situation. It applies to England. It is based on the GOV.UK "Know when you can leave school" and qualification levels pages and the UCAS T Level and Tariff pages (October 2026).

Options at 16

• GOV.UK says that after 16, until they turn 18, a young person must do one of: stay in full-time education (such as at a college), start an apprenticeship, or work or volunteer at least 20 hours a week while in part-time education or training.
• A school may have its own sixth form; you apply to a sixth form directly to the school. Application dates and required grades differ from school to college.

Levels of qualification

• GOV.UK says A levels and T Levels are Level 3. GCSE grades 9 to 4 are Level 2. A bachelor's degree is Level 6 and a master's Level 7.
• The GOV.UK list does not name BTEC; it only lists generic Level 3 diploma types.

Getting ready for university: the Tariff

• According to UCAS, the Tariff is a points scale that lets universities compare different qualifications with A levels. Only regulated Level 3 qualifications receive points. Being on the Tariff does not mean a university will accept it.
• BTECs: if regulated Level 3, they earn the same points as A levels.
• T Levels: points go to the overall grade: Distinction* 168, Distinction 144, Merit 120, Pass (C or above on the core) 96, Pass (D or E on the core) 72. Distinction* at 168 points equals three A*s at A level.
• UCAS says only about a third of university courses advertise their requirements in Tariff points; most ask for specific qualifications and grades. Read the requirements of the course you want directly.

The IB and overseas qualifications

• The University of Sheffield's Türkiye page says holders of the IB Diploma are considered and that required scores vary by course. We could not verify the Tariff value of the IB in general for this post; ask the university.

For young people coming from Türkiye

• Which route suits a young person arriving in England at 16 depends on the school or college's entry conditions, the earlier education in Türkiye and the visa position. State schools do not ask for immigration papers, but sixth forms and colleges may have their own conditions, and the visa route (for example, no school place on a visitor visa) can apply. See the post on how to enrol a child in a state school.

Points to watch

• Official pages change. This post is a general summary.

What can you do?

• Read Know when you can leave school.
• See UCAS: What are T Levels? and UCAS Tariff points.