Guide · Students · All UK nations
After GCSEs: sixth form, college, apprenticeships and UCAS dates
Your options at 16, what to compare, and the university application deadlines for 2027 entry.
By the Pyxion Learn team · Checked 30 October 2026
Your options at 16
- School sixth form: A-levels (or other courses) at your school or another school.
- Sixth-form or further education college: often a wider range of subjects and vocational courses.
- Technical qualifications, such as T Levels in England.
- Apprenticeships: paid work with training, leading to a recognised qualification.
In England you must stay in education or training until 18, which includes apprenticeships and part-time study alongside work.
What to compare
- Entry requirements for the courses you want, and how strictly they are applied.
- Results in the subjects you would take, over several years.
- Where students go next: university, apprenticeships, employment.
- Travel, timetable and the size of classes.
University applications (UCAS)
For courses starting in 2027:
- 15 October 2026: deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses.
- 13 January 2027: equal consideration deadline for most other courses.
Applications for the next cycle open in September each year. Always check each course’s own deadline.