16 – 19 Study Programme

All ESFA funded education for 16 to 19 year olds should be delivered as a study programme which combines qualifications and other activities, and which is tailored to each student’s prior attainment and career goals.

Every study programme must have a core aim. For the majority of students, this will be either the study of substantial technical, applied or academic qualification(s) or preparation for employment

The study programme at Ashton on Mersey School consists of Level 3 qualifications. Currently all students follow a broadly vocational pathway, with some students following a pathway which combines vocational and academic qualifications. From September 2023 all students will follow either an academic pathway or a vocational pathway. More details about our courses can be found in our prospectus by clicking here.

Young people who do not hold a GCSE grade 4 in Maths or English are required to continue these subjects as part of their study programme.

Ashton Mersey sixth form students who do not hold a grade 4 in Maths or English are provided with time on their programme to retake these subjects. They can retake either Maths or English, not both.

All study programmes should include work experience and non-qualification activities which complement the other elements of the programme and support the student to progress to further or higher education or to employment. The non-qualification activity should develop students’ character, skills, attitudes and confidence.

Students in our sixth form are expected to take part in a number of activities which provide them with opportunity to develop a range of “soft skills”.

• Form time is used effectively to discuss current affairs, learn and understand about different cultures and develop key skills.
• Every student engages in enrichment activities on a weekly basis. These enrichment activities include community volunteering, work experience, cooking skills, finance and leadership.
• Every student in Year 12 undertakes a work experience placement.
• All Year 12 students attend the annual health and careers convention with students given the opportunity to attend a number of sessions to support their wider skills and experiences. Sessions include: first aid, sexual health, drugs awareness and mental wellbeing.
• All students have a 1-2-1 careers appointment as well as access to wider careers support
• Students receive support on advice on all post 18 pathways, including visits to local universities and presentations on student finance and apprenticeships.
• Students attend the stay safe drive event in Year 12.

Further information about the 16-19 Study Programme can be found on the gov.uk website, by clicking here.