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ELATT Sixth Form learners laughing together on a short-film set.

Post-16 Options in East London: Sixth Form Vocational Routes

For young people and parents who want a relaxed, skills-first way to move forward

Who this guide is for

  • Year 11 leavers choosing between Sixth Form, college or a vocational route
  • Parents and students seeking small classes, individual support and clear next steps
  • Learners who prefer practical, hands-on study with pathways into work or further study
  • Young people who’ve felt anxious about school, had disrupted education, or would benefit from a calm, inclusive environment

Choosing what to do after Year 11 can feel overwhelming. This quick comparison sets out the main post-16 routes, who they’re for, how they work and where they lead, so you can narrow your options fast. Use it to shortlist your next step, then explore ELATT’s vocational Sixth Form pathways if you prefer practical, skills-first learning in small classes with strong support.

Your post-16 choices at a glance

Route
Best for
What it looks like
Typical next step
Sixth Form (Vocational)
16–19s who learn best through practical projects
Study a pathway (e.g., Software, Creative, Business) with Maths/English where needed; small groups, tutor support, wellbeing
University, apprenticeship, or entry-level role
A levels (Academic)
Learners who enjoy exam-based, academic study
3–4 subjects over 2 years
University or higher apprenticeships
T Levels
Those who want a single technical subject plus long placement
80% classroom, 20% industry placement
Skilled employment, HE
Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn
Job + training provider assessment
Stay in work, upskill

ELATT – The Learning Community

ELATT is an award-winning training provider charity based in Dalston, Hackney, helping Londoners build skills and move confidently into education and work. We specialise in practical, career-focused learning across digital, business and creative subjects.

Our classes are small, with a calm, inclusive and trauma-aware approach so every learner feels safe, seen and supported.

Through strong employer links and a dedicated Careers & Employability service, students gain real-world experience and progress to apprenticeships, higher study and paid roles.

Our Sixth Form primarily supports young people aged 16–19 (or 19+ with an active Education, Health and Care Plan — EHCP), including learners who have not thrived in school, have paused mainstream study, or are transferring from specialist settings.

We also work with partner schools, Stormont House and The Holmewood School on a Year-12 transition programme: two days a week at ELATT, an accredited vocational course, teaching assistant accompaniment between settings, and a Year-13 transition into full-time ELATT or to an appropriate provider.

Why many students and their families choose ELATT Sixth Form?

ELATT Sixth Form students coding small robots at UBS in London.

ELATT Sixth Form students coding small robots at UBS in London.

  • Small classes, calm spaces – lower student–tutor ratios mean more personal attention, clearer feedback and a calmer pace.
  • Inclusive, trauma-aware teaching – clear routines, gentle pacing and practical tasks that build confidence.
  • Real-world skills from day one – Software Development, Web, Game Design, Creative Media and Business Administration projects matched to workplace behaviours.
  • Transitions & work experience – supported placements and up to six months’ transition support after you leave ELATT.
  • Wellbeing & wrap-around support – access to our Careers & Employability and Wellbeing teams for CVs, interviews, workshops and progression advice.
  • Community & belonging – small cohorts, supportive tutors and purposeful projects help learners connect with others and their goals.

Support for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

We welcome applications from young people with SEND and tailor support to each learner.

  • Admissions & placement: initial conversation and assessment so we understand strengths, needs and goals; then place you on the most appropriate programme level.
  • In-class support: small groups with close tutor attention and learning support staff where needed; support is embedded so it feels normal, not stigmatised.
  • Flexible engagement: we can adjust attendance and pacing during periods of anxiety or ill-health, with a plan to re-build to full engagement.
  • Continuous enrolment: join during the year to reduce time out of education.
  • Multi-disciplinary input: access to specialists (e.g., ELSA/key worker support, Employability Adviser, Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Psychology) when required.
  • Scope: we commonly support autism spectrum, ADHD, dyslexia and mental-health-related barriers.

We also support learners with Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Unfortunately, we are not sufficiently specialist or resourced to support students with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) or young people with intellectual disability.

What can I study at ELATT Sixth Form?

ELATT Sixth Form students presenting their solution during a challenge at Mimecast’s London office.

Digital & Tech Pathways

  • Software Development: Java foundations (logic, problem-solving, object-oriented thinking); plus HTML/CSS, accessibility and interactive front-end projects; portfolio hosted online.
    You’ll practise professional workflows on real briefs, learn to explain your code and design choices, and publish a clean, navigable portfolio that employers can review in minutes. Progression routes include higher education, apprenticeships and entry-level roles in junior web, QA or support.

  • Computer Engineering: Hardware and operating systems basics; PC build/maintenance; networking & cybersecurity fundamentals; troubleshooting for helpdesk/IT support roles; progression routes.
    Expect lots of hands-on learning time: component swaps, fault-finding and ticket-style troubleshooting to mirror real service-desk tasks. You’ll build confidence with safe working practices and customer communication so you’re ready for first-line support environments.

Business & Creative

  • Business Administration: communication, customer experience, office tools and teamwork; skills employers test from week one.
    You’ll produce professional documents, manage calendars and customer emails, and role-play common workplace scenarios to build confidence. Typical next steps include admin apprenticeships, office assistant roles and progression to university.

  • Creative Media: planning, shooting and editing short films; storytelling and content for real audiences.
    You’ll develop a mini-showreel, practise on-set roles and post-production (editing, sound, basic colour), and learn how to pitch ideas clearly. Live briefs and showcases help you gather portfolio pieces you can share with employers or colleges.

  • Game Design: Core game-design principles, gameplay and level design, rapid prototyping with industry-standard tools, basic art/sound integration and playtesting.
    You’ll build small playable projects and a portfolio that shows your creative process and problem-solving and learn to iterate from feedback, balance difficulty and communicate a clear design vision.

Functional Skills Maths/English

Functional Skills English and Maths are studied as part of your Sixth Form study programme at ELATT. They complement your main vocational course and help you build essential skills for further learning and employment.

Our Functional Skills Maths and English courses are designed to help you progress from Entry Level to Level 2 (often accepted as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4/C for entry), supporting your confidence, independence and future goals.

Many employers and training providers accept Functional Skills Level 2 as a practical alternative to GCSE Grade 4/C for entry into jobs, apprenticeships and further study.

Personal and Social Development for Sixth Form Students

Our Personal and Social Development (PSD) programme, in partnership with the King’s Trust, helps Sixth Form students build essential life skills, employability skills, and personal confidence. Delivered alongside your main vocational course, PSD prepares you for further education, work, and life after school, in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

The aim of the PSD programme is to offer engaging and imaginative ways of supporting young people to:

  • Become confident individuals who are physically, emotionally, and socially healthy
  • Be responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society and embrace change
  • Manage risk and look after their own wellbeing

Progression and careers

With practical projects, a portfolio and careers support, learners typically progress to:

  • Level 4 study or specialist diplomas
  • Apprenticeships or paid internships
  • Entry-level roles in admin, creative content, tech support, web content and more
  • Progressing to University / Higher Education

Our team helps with career or further education planning, applications, CVs, interview prep and employer introductions.

Entry, eligibility and how to apply

  • Who can apply: Age 16–19, or 19+ with an active Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
  • Entry: We place you at the right level based on current skills.
  • Support needs: Tell us what helps you learn best; we’ll build it into your plan.

Next steps (takes ~2 minutes):

  1. Apply online
  2. Call us if you’d like guidance choosing a pathway.
  3. Visit our Dalston centre to meet tutors and see a class in action.

September intakes with limited rolling places—apply early to secure your spot.

Parent/carer checklist: is a vocational Sixth Form right for us?

  • My young person prefers hands-on tasks over long exams
  • They feel calmer in smaller classes with clear routines
  • They want to build a portfolio and practical skills quickly
  • We’d value wellbeing support and a personal tutor
  • We want clear routes into further study, apprenticeships or work

If you’re nodding to most of these, an ELATT Sixth Form course could be the best fit.

Apply today – places are limited!

Prefer a chat? Call us and we’ll help you choose the right path.

Want to see it first? Arrange a short visit to our Dalston centre.

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