Where to study

Have you thought through the pros and cons of where to study?

School sixth form

This might be your present school or another school.
If you carry on studying at your school you'll be familiar with the teachers and some of the other students.
Your teachers may help you to keep organised.
Many schools are now in post-16 learning partnerships with other schools and colleges in their area. This means that you may travel to other school and college sites for some of your lessons.

Sixth form college

These colleges have mainly 16-19 year old students.
They will feel different to a school sixth form but will have students the same age as you.
Not as big as an FE college.

College of further education (or FE college)

These usually bigger than school sixth forms and offer both general and work-related courses.
There’ll be a mixture of young people and adults.
You won't know the teachers or many of the other students.
You will be able to have a bit more independence.
You may not get reminded by teachers to hand your work in on time.
There'll be a better choice of clubs and societies.

Specialist colleges

Examples of these include land-based colleges where students study farming, agriculture and forestry, or drama schools. Or colleges for students with particular disabilities or learning difficulties.
They run specialist courses - you need to be sure it's the right route for you.
You may have to travel further or even live there during term-time.

All schools and colleges publish a free prospectus. Ask in your school Connexions library or Connexions centre or get the details from My Choice Notts and contact them yourself. If you can, go to their open day if they have one.