Home education

Exams and qualifications

Home educated children are not required to take any formal examinations, although it can be useful for the child for future studying or employment pathways.

You can arrange for your child to take exams, such as GCSEs, as external candidates at exam centres like further education colleges. You will need to contact the colleges.

There are no grants to cover the cost of exams.

Post-16 education or training

Young people in England must continue in education or training until their 18th birthday. This can include:

• full-time education at a college or sixth form, or continuing suitable full-time home education
• an apprenticeship
• working or volunteering for at least 20 hours a week alongside part-time education or training.

Start exploring options early so there is time to check entry requirements, attend open events and make applications.

Choosing a course or training route

Think about your child’s interests, strengths, preferred way of learning and any future career plans. The main routes include:

• A Levels: usually two-year courses in academic subjects, mainly assessed through examinations. They can lead to university, further training or employment.
• T Levels: two-year technical qualifications combining classroom learning with an industry placement. A T Level is equivalent in size to three A Levels.
• Vocational qualifications: practical and work-related courses, such as BTECs, in areas including construction, childcare, business and creative subjects. Available qualifications and assessment methods vary by provider.
• Apprenticeships: paid employment combined with training towards a qualification. Young people apply for vacancies with employers.
• Foundation and introductory courses: courses that help young people build skills and prepare for further study, training or employment.
• Supported internships: work-based study programmes for young people aged 16 to 24 with an education, health and care plan (EHCP), helping them develop the skills needed for paid employment.

Find out more about T Levels and supported internships.

Understanding course levels and entry requirements

Courses are available at different levels:

• Entry Level and Level 1: can provide a starting point for building skills and progressing to further study.
• Level 2: includes GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 and a range of vocational qualifications.
• Level 3: includes A Levels, T Levels and advanced vocational qualifications.

Entry requirements depend on the course and provider. Some courses require particular GCSE subjects or grades.

If your child has not taken GCSEs, contact providers directly to ask about their admissions process, whether they can consider other evidence of learning, and any introductory courses available. Do not assume that having no GCSEs rules out all college or training options.

Ask providers about English and maths study alongside the main course, including GCSEs or Functional Skills where appropriate.

Finding a provider and preparing to apply

Options in and around Lincolnshire include school sixth forms, sixth form colleges, further education colleges, university technical colleges and independent training providers.

Contact providers directly to check current courses, entry requirements and application deadlines. Open days and taster sessions can help your child decide whether a course and setting suit them.

Before applying, ask about:

• how applications from home-educated young people are assessed
• any assessments, interviews, references or portfolios needed
• learning support and reasonable adjustments
• travel arrangements and any financial support available
• progression to further study, apprenticeships or employment.

Young people with special educational needs or disabilities can explore the Lincolnshire SEND Local Offer. If your child has an EHCP, involve their SEND caseworker in planning their next steps.

InspireU is another local learning provision to explore. Contact the service to discuss its current programmes and suitability for your child.

Existing apprenticeships and careers sections

Please retain the existing “Apprenticeships and skills support” and “Early Careers” sections. Under the apprenticeship links, could we add:

“Search and apply through Find an apprenticeship. You can also contact employers, colleges and training providers directly. Prepare a CV, tailor applications to each vacancy and practise interview questions. Applying for more than one opportunity can help keep your options open.”

Apprenticeships and skills support

As your child approaches 16 or is exploring career options, there are a range of resources to help them develop skills, explore apprenticeships, and plan their next steps. The following services provide information, advice, and access to training opportunities:

• Apprenticeships.gov.uk – Official government portal for finding apprenticeship opportunities and guidance on applying.
• National Careers Service – Offers impartial careers advice, information about courses, support for CV writing, and guidance on training and apprenticeships.

These resources can help home-educated young people explore options for learning, training, and work experience, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Early Careers

If you're exploring your options after Year 11 or Year 13, Lincolnshire County Council's Early Careers webpage is a great place to start.

Whether you're looking for work experience, an apprenticeship or your first job, the page provides information and advice to help you take your next step.

You'll find information on:

• Work experience
• Apprenticeships
• Industry placements
• Internships
• Graduate opportunities
• Current vacancies with Lincolnshire County Council
• Application advice and top tips
• How to sign up for updates about future opportunities

Visit the Lincolnshire County Council Early Careers webpage to find out more and explore the opportunities available.