Can you get 3 years of funding post-GCSE?

[VikaOlson]

I have a 15 year old about to take GCSEs who doesn't really know what they want to do next.
They haven't ruled out A Levels but not really sure what to take.
They are interested in a vocational course at our local college that does Level 2 in the first year and then they can stay on for Level 3 in the second year. However I'm concerned that doing this would narrow options too early if that's not what they decide they want to do as a career.

As I understand it, a first Level 3 qualification is funded for three years 16-19.
So would it be possible to go to college and do the Level 2 course, and then if they change their mind about the second year, then switch to another two year Level 3 course or go to 6th Form and do two years of A Levels?

My understanding is yes. 3 years of level 3 funding, so some repeat year 12 for example. Maybe ask the college if they would alllow it?

Yes you can but level 2 is usually for those that don't have the required GCSE grades for a level three course.

This particular course is a Level 2 first year regardless of GCSE results.

Oh well.in that cause you absolutely can get three years funding, my son is currently doing his 3rd year ,and he has switched colleges too.

That's good to know, if we have another year of thinking time!

yes. I've seen it on here - child got the GCSEs for A levels but went with a level 2 vocational course as a kind of "year out" before deciding whether to do vocational or academic. I think the YP was quite burned out. I thought what a brilliant idea.

Many years ago, I did first year of A-levels, didn’t do very well and swapped to a 6th form college for 2years. So I presume it would be the same?

Yes, DD did A levels after GCSEs then still wasn’t ready to decide on Uni course. She did a level 3 Arts Diploma at a local FE college which was fully funded.

It also counted as “full time education” so XH had to continue paying maintenance. I appreciate this might not be relevant to you OP, but might be useful to others reading your thread.

Several of my son’s friends did one year of a Level 2 course then did a 2 year Level 3 afterwards.

Another started a level 3 course but after 6 months realised he didn’t want to stay at that college so started again at a different college (repeating the first year).

OP yes - but only if your dc is being educated in cohort - ie they weren’t a summer baby who you send to reception a year later so they didn’t have to go just turned 4. Essentially you can get funding until the school year they turn 19.

Lots of young people do this, you need to get the level 2 qualification in some areas to be allowed to do the level 3, so it’s common to do 3 years post gcse.