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Student holding binoculars in Bishop Burton woodland

School Leavers (16-18)

Whether you're leaving school this year, have just left, or you're exploring your options for the future, we can help.

What can I study after my GCSEs?

There are lots of different options when you've finished your GCSEs and are ready to leave school. The ideal next step for you depends on your grades and what you're hoping to achieve.

If you're ready to focus on your dream career, we can help. Our vocational courses have been developed in collaboration with employer partners to make sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the world of work.

We offer a wide range of different course levels and types, including new technical qualifications - T Levels - and GCSEs/Functional Skills if you need to re-take your English and Maths exams to help you in future.

It can get overwhelming looking at all the different options, so we recommend coming along to an Open Event, where our team will help you to choose the right path for you.

In the meantime, you're welcome to check out all of the course levels and types available or get in touch for a chat.

Equine students on horseback laughing
Engineering students working on land based equipment

Do I have to stay in education or can I go straight into work?

Whilst you have to stay in education or training until you're 18, that doesn't mean you have to be at sixth form or college full-time. You could look to study an apprenticeship instead, allowing you to earn whilst you learn.

If you choose an apprenticeship, you will spend most of your time training on the job and your employer would then release you to attend college. You usually would spend one day per week on campus, but sometimes this is done with block sessions instead.

What subjects do you offer at Bishop Burton College?

Whilst we're best known for our specialist, technical education in Agriculture, Animal Management, Equine and Sport, we offer courses in a wide variety of complementary subjects too. These include Cookery, Uniformed Public Services, Design and Childcare.

What if I can't decide what to study?

There's no better way to decide than to give our subjects a try. We offer a range of taster sessions. Book your place on one or more to see what it's really like to study at Bishop Burton College.

Don't panic if you've missed them, our team are on hand to help you decide at each of our Open Events and outside of these times too. Just get in touch.

It's also important to remember that there's always the opportunity to switch to a different subject if during your first few weeks you change your mind.

Sport student learning therapy techniques from a tutor

What makes studying at college different to staying at school?

We want you to develop the confidence and independence you will need within your career.

There's no uniform, you'll call your tutors by their first name and you'll be treated like an adult.

Most of our full-time college courses include lectures, seminars and practical sessions over three days per week. Whilst you'll usually need to be on campus for these sessions, the rest of the time is for you to undertake independent study. You can choose whether to study at home or here on campus.

Bishop Burton College is much bigger than most schools. This is because we offer a much wider range of courses than schools and sixth forms. We offer technical careers-focused subjects, with the specialist facilities and expert tutors you'll need to learn.

Despite its size, many of our students say that our campus has a "family feel". Our welcoming staff and small group sizes make it really easy to make friends.

I can't drive/don't have a car. How would I get to Bishop Burton?

We have 13 bus routes across the region, which are FREE for all full-time college students to use.

Find out more at an Open Event

Why not come along to one of our college level Open Events to explore all of your options? Take a tour, check out some demonstrations and quiz our team with any questions you might have.

Check out our upcoming Open Events and register for your place.

Course Search How to Apply Open Event Booking