FAQ

Helping your child make an informed decision about their next steps after Year 11 can be daunting.

We have put together some of the most commonly asked questions by parents to help make the process easier.

Is staying at Macmillan Academy Post 16 the best thing for my child?

We think that staying on at Post 16 provides your child with an excellent opportunity to succeed. We offer a wide range of A Level and BTEC courses, plus a programme of extra-curricular activities and work experience. In addition to this, your child will be taught in an environment which is familiar to them and by teaching staff who already know them. We think that this continuity and stability is why our students gain such great results.

If your son or daughter is unclear on the options available or needs some further guidance, our experienced and highly qualified Careers Practitioner, Ms Cook would be happy to arrange an informal chat. Please contact us to arrange.

What about College?

A college will offer a very different learning experience to Post 16. College is often more informal, with students that range in age and are not just aged 16-18. Students also often follow a more ‘relaxed’ timetable.

How do I select the best route for my child?

Research all potential options– use the internet to find out the latest Ofsted results and exams data and also speak to friends and family and gather their opinions. At Macmillan Post 16, we celebrated a fantastic set of results with a 100% pass rate in ALL subjects! In addition to this, Ofsted have recently rated us as ‘good’ and said specifically of Post 16 that “Students are very well prepared for their next steps” and that “Students make very good progress”.

Will I have to pay for their course?

No, there are no course fees for Post 16 courses as your child is aged 16-18 and continuing in full-time education.

Will my benefits be affected?

Your Child Benefit can carry on after your child reaches 16, if they are staying in full-time, ‘non-advanced’ education at school or college, or starting an ‘approved’ training course. Find out more at www.gov.uk.

What extra learning support do you offer?

Care, support and guidance are a strong feature of student life at Post 16. Our staff are specially trained and have dedicated roles to ensure that your son or daughter always has someone to turn to. In addition to this all students meet with their personal tutor on a daily basis and we offer a mentoring programme which is available for any student who may need extra support. We are always here to help in any way we can.

What financial support is available?

We are able to provide assistance to students most in need of financial help through our bursary fund. The fund can be used to help with transport, books, stationery, trips – and anything else relevant to study. Further to this, if your child previously received free school meals then this will also potentially continue. The application process is really quick and if we can help you, then we will.

Does my child have to apply?

All of our current Year 11 students will automatically be offered a place at Post 16 (subject to meeting the Post 16 entry requirements) however we do ask that students ‘register their interest’ and tell us which courses they intend to continue with, this will be discussed during their progression meeting which will take place early spring term.

If your child does not attend Macmillan Academy, then please apply for a place via the online form here or you can request a copy of our course guide which includes a paper application form.

What is Post 16 Experience?

Post 16 Experience are taster days which are an ideal opportunity for your child to sample their chosen courses, meet their personal tutor and get to know other Post 16 students. Taster days will run in the last week of the summer term.

Can we come and visit Post 16?

Absolutely! Open evenings are held in early October every year and this is followed up by an open morning in mid-February.

Alternatively, to arrange an individual tour please contact us on 01642 736590/post16@macademy.org.uk.