Dear Parents and Carers,
As your child enters the final stages of Year 11, we understand that planning for life after GCSEs can feel both exciting and overwhelming. This is an important time for students to consider their strengths, interests and long term aspirations as they begin making decisions about further education, training or employment.
Over the coming weeks, students will complete their post-16 applications in school with the support of staff. If you have any questions, please email kablake@acb.beds.sch.uk for Kingsland students and Lday@acb.beds.sch.uk for Stotfold students. Once applications have been submitted, students will need to check their personal emails regularly for interview dates and any further information from sixth forms, colleges or training providers. If you would like your child to put parent/carers emails please let staff know.  It is important that they respond promptly to any communication to secure their place. The colleges have made us aware that applications need to be completed before Christmas, as places are limited. 

• The Transition Process 
  Students can apply for a Level 1 course and a Level 2 if they wish. If they pass their GCSEs with a Grade 4 or above, they will be put on the Level 2 course. If students get below a Grade 4, they will be placed on a Level 1 course and have to resit any of their GCSEs that they don’t pass during the first year of College. This will usually mean they will have to attend an extra day at college to be taught the content. When students receive their GCSE results, they will be invited to the college and placed on the right course.
  How to help your child transition to the next stage:
• Discussing their interests, strengths and future goals
• Attending open events at local colleges, sixth forms, and training providers
• Encourage them to check their emails regularly  for interview details 
• Talking through the different pathways available, including apprenticeships and vocational courses

North Herts College 

Bedford College 

Central Bedfordshire College 

National college for motorsports 

Shuttleworth College - 

Tresham College

Milton Keynes & Blethcley College 

SSG College  

GAP College - Dunstable Small classes 

Oaklands College - St Albans 

The Hub Houghton Regis for students who are not ready for mainstream college

How We Will Support Students

• 1:1 guidance interviews with an advisor from Services for Young People
• CV writing, interview preparation and labour market info
• Access to College prospectus and help with applications
• Careers Fair and visiting speakers – local employers/FE Colleges
• GCSE results day support and guidance

Our in-school 1:1 careers, advice and guidance sessions begin in January for 2 weeks, with catch-up days booked in for April. All students will have an allocated timeslot for a meeting 
Thank you for your ongoing support at this crucial time. Working together, we can ensure every student moves confidently and successfully into their next phase of education or training.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.