A-levels are a 2-year programme ideal for students who want to study 3 subjects in depth and plan to progress onto university or a Higher apprenticeship. They can be a great option for learners who enjoy learning facts and theories, are good at exams and good at doing independent learning and research outside of the classroom.

Subjects relevant to Creative and Culture include:
Art & Design, Photography, Textiles, Graphic Design, Product Design, Media Studies, Drama, Music, Dance. English Language, English Literature, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Religious Studies

A levels are offered at the following local colleges and 6th Forms:
NSCG – A Levels and A+ Programmes
City of Stoke on Trent 6th Form College – Courses Archive
St Thomas More – Sixth Form Courses
St Josephs College – Sixth Form Courses
St Margaret Ward – Sixth Form Courses

Apprenticeships can be a great option for learners who are ready for the work place and are sure about the job they want to pursue. Learners will have to find an employer to take them on by searching for apprenticeship vacancies and going through the employer’s recruitment process. Employers are generally looking for applicants who are self motivated, have a good standard of maths and English and are reliable and passionate about achieving their chosen job role.

School leavers will usually start on either a Level 2 (Intermediate) or Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship depending on job requirements and GCSE grades. Level 3 apprenticeships are generally equivalent to 2 A-levels.

Search for ‘Creative & Design’, ‘Catering & Hospitality’ or ‘Hair & Beauty’ vacancies by postcode Browse apprenticeships before you apply

Pre-apprenticeships are ideal for learners who want an apprenticeship but may not yet be work ready. Need to improve your maths and English, develop your confidence or gain some relevant work experience? If so, a pre-apprenticeship at a local training provider could be right for you.

The following training providers offer Hospitality & Catering pre-apprenticeships:

• Martec Training – Apprenticeships and Training Courses
• Nacro, Stoke – Nacro Education Stoke-on-Trent | Vocational Training

The following training provider offer Hair & Beauty and Barbering pre-apprenticeships:

• Equality Training – Hair and Beauty – Equality Training

The following training provider offers a Performing Arts pre-apprenticeship for EHCP students:

• Martec Training – Apprenticeships and Training Courses

Vocational courses can be a good option for learners who know what career sector they want to go into but may not meet the entry requirements for T levels or A-levels, or where there is no relevant T level option available. Focusing on coursework with some external assessments, they include both practical and classroom based learning.

Vocational courses are available from Level 1 up to Level 3 depending on GCSE grades and will include English and maths, if grade 4 or above has not already been achieved in these subjects.

Level 3 vocational qualifications are equivalent to 3 A-levels and are widely-recognised to get you into university, apprenticeships or employment.

The colleges and school 6th forms below offer vocational courses in subjects such as:

• Art & Design
• Media, Graphics & Photography
• Games Design
• Dance
• Travel & Tourism
• Culinary Skills
• Hair & Beauty
• Acting
• Music Performance
• Music Production

Stoke on Trent College (Cauldon) – Courses
NSCG – Course Departments
City of Stoke on Trent 6th Form College – Courses Archive
St Thomas More – Sixth Form Courses
St Margaret Ward – Sixth Form Courses