College, employment and training

College courses for 14 to 16 year olds (key stage 4)

If you're educated at home and are aged 14 to 16, you may be able to attend college full-time or part-time. The government may fund the course too.

Colleges decide whether they can accept students under 16, and the courses available will vary from one college to another. Some colleges offer courses specifically for 14 to 16 year olds, while others may allow you to join a wider range of courses.

Not all colleges offer GCSE courses, so it's worth checking what's available before applying.

• Find details of colleges in Kent
• Learn more about the post 16 journey from elective home education
• Read the full guidance on GOV.UK

Thinking about your future

From around age 14, it's a good idea to start thinking about what you'd like to do next.

You might want to continue your education, start training for a career, take qualifications, or explore different job opportunities. Thinking ahead can help you choose the right courses and experiences to support your goals.

Parents and carers can help young people explore their options and plan their next steps.

Read our information about education, training and career choices.