There are several courses and qualifications available at post-16. As is always the case when deciding on which courses to choose, think carefully. If possible, talk to a Careers Advisor, your parent or guardian, and teachers. Assess where you think your skills lie, find out exactly what you need to achieve your ambitions and don’t shut down your options too soon.

Access to post-16 courses in England can depend upon the achievement of four or five GCSEs at grade C or above. Contact the course-provider for their requirements.

A-Level is often the next step for those who are interested in going on to university to study an academic subject. Although A-Level Theatre Studies is largely a theoretical course and the practical element can be quite small, many people who are planning to take a vocational training course at a drama school also follow this route. It allows you to continue studying other subjects, and make the most of the academic opportunities on offer.

The BTEC Performing Arts course is designed to be more practical. There are two courses: the First Diploma, a one-year foundation course for those who do not have the requisite GCSE qualifications, and the National Diploma for those who do.

The BTEC National Diploma is a very practical modular course with units covering a wide range of areas of the performing arts: Language of the Theatre, Stagecraft, Production Techniques, Arts in Society, Drama, Dance, Movement Studies, Singing and various music units.

The GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) in the Performing Arts and Entertainment Industries has three levels: foundation, intermediate and advanced. These courses often combine performing arts units with Business Studies.

In Scotland, as well as the Drama and Dance Highers, students may study for a range of Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/Ds), including HNC/D Acting and Performance, HND Musical Theatre, HNC Production and Technical Theatre and various Dance courses.

The advanced elements of the new Creative and Media Diploma are also relevant for this age group.

You should contact your Local Education Authority to find out which schools and colleges in your area offer these qualifications.

Regardless of the subjects you study at school, if you want to make a career in drama you need practical performance experience to build up your confidence and explore your abilities. See Youth and Amateur Theatre for how to get involved.