What Is Key Stage 5? A Parent's Guide to Years 12 and 13

Key Stage 5 (KS5) covers Years 12 and 13 — the two post-16 years that follow GCSEs. Since 2015, young people in England have been required to remain in some form of education or training until they turn 18, which means KS5 is effectively compulsory for all young people, even if the form it takes varies widely between students.

What year groups and ages does KS5 cover?

KS5 spans Years 12 and 13, covering ages 16 to 18. It begins immediately after a student finishes their GCSEs in Year 11, usually in the summer of age 16, and ends with formal examinations or assessments at age 18.

Unlike KS3 and KS4, which are defined by the national curriculum and its statutory requirements, KS5 is sometimes called "post-16 education" rather than a formal "Key Stage" in all policy documents. However, it is widely referred to as KS5 in schools and is part of the overall 5–19 education framework in England.

What qualifications can students take at KS5?

There is a wider range of qualifications available at KS5 than at GCSE. The table below shows the main routes.

Qualification | Level | Typical number studied | Who it suits
A-levels | Level 3 | Usually 3 | Students targeting university, especially selective universities
T-Levels | Level 3 | 1 (equivalent to 3 A-levels) | Students wanting a vocational pathway with an industry placement
BTEC Level 3 | Level 3 | 1 or more (various sizes) | Students preferring coursework and practical assessment
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | Level 3 | 6 subjects + core components | Students wanting a broad, internationally recognised programme
Applied General qualifications | Level 3 | Varies | Students blending academic and vocational study
Apprenticeship (with training) | Level 2–5 | — | Students who want to earn while they learn in a specific trade or profession

Most school sixth forms focus on A-levels, while further education (FE) colleges tend to offer a wider mix including BTECs, T-Levels and Applied Generals.

What is the difference between a school sixth form and a sixth-form college?

Both options deliver KS5 education but have a different feel.

A school sixth form sits within a secondary school and shares the building, staff and pastoral structure with Years 7–11. It may offer a narrower range of subjects but provides continuity from the GCSE years. Many students value the familiar environment and relationships with staff they already know.

A sixth-form college is a standalone institution for students aged 16–19. It typically offers a broader range of A-level and vocational subjects, operates more like a college with greater student independence, and draws from several different secondary schools. Many sixth-form colleges achieve excellent results and are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Further education (FE) colleges are open to a wide range of ages and tend to specialise in vocational and technical education, though they also offer A-levels and other Level 3 courses.

Choosing between these comes down to your child's subject needs, their preferred learning environment, and what is available locally.

Is staying in education compulsory until 18?

Yes. Since September 2015, the participation requirement means all young people in England must continue in one of the following until their 18th birthday:

Full-time education (e.g. school sixth form, sixth-form college, FE college)

An apprenticeship or traineeship

Part-time education or training combined with employment, volunteering or self-employment for at least 20 hours per week

The requirement is to participate, not necessarily to attend a school. Employment alone (without an accompanying training element) does not fulfil it. There is no penalty that falls directly on the young person, but local authorities have a duty to ensure all young people are participating and must track those who are not.

How do KS5 qualifications compare to GCSEs?

KS5 qualifications are a step up in level, depth and independence from GCSEs.

Feature | GCSE (KS4) | A-level / KS5
Qualification level | Level 1/2 | Level 3
Number of subjects | Typically 8–10 | Typically 3 (A-levels)
Assessment style | Mix of exams and some NEA | Primarily written exams at end of Year 13; EPQ/project options
Grading | 1–9 | A*–E (A-levels); P/M/D/D* (BTECs)
Teaching style | Guided; structured syllabus | More independent; wider reading expected
Typical weekly contact hours per subject | ~4–5 hours | ~4–5 hours, but with significant independent study expected on top

The step from GCSE to KS5 is one of the most significant academic transitions a teenager makes. Many students find the increase in expected independence the biggest adjustment.

How does KS5 affect university entry?

A-levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) are the primary basis on which UK universities make admissions decisions. Universities set entry requirements in terms of grades (e.g. ABB at A-level) or UCAS tariff points. A-levels generate the highest number of UCAS points per qualification (A* = 56 points, A = 48 points), and most Russell Group universities specify grade conditions rather than points.

T-Levels are increasingly accepted by universities, particularly post-1992 institutions and those with vocational provision. BTEC Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Diplomas are accepted at most universities, and some Russell Group universities now accept them for certain courses.

The subjects chosen at KS5 matter as much as the grades. Many degree courses have preferred or required A-level subjects; for example, Medicine typically requires Chemistry plus one more science or Mathematics, and Law at competitive universities is usually taken with essay-based subjects.

Frequently asked questions

Can a student mix A-levels and BTECs at KS5?

Yes, in principle. Some sixth-form colleges and FE colleges allow students to combine an A-level with a BTEC qualification, though the specific combinations available depend on the institution's timetable. Check with the sixth form or college directly, as not all schools can accommodate mixed programmes.

What happens if a student fails their A-levels?

A-level resits are available in the following academic year. Students can resit in January for some components (where offered), or resit the full qualification the following June. Many students choose to repeat Year 13 entirely to resit; others resit individual papers. Universities generally accept resit grades, though Oxbridge and some competitive courses may look less favourably on multiple attempts.

When do students choose their KS5 path?

The KS5 application process starts in Year 11, usually from October to January. School open evenings and sixth-form taster sessions typically run in October and November of Year 11. Students applying to a different sixth form or college submit applications during the winter; offers are usually made by spring. Final subject choices are sometimes confirmed after GCSE results in August.

Is a school sixth form better than a sixth-form college?

Neither is universally better. A school sixth form suits students who value continuity, a familiar environment, and strong pastoral relationships. A sixth-form college often suits students who want a wider subject choice, a fresh start, or a more collegiate atmosphere. The best choice depends on your child's personality, learning style, and the specific institutions available in your area. Visit both open days before deciding.

For subject-specific tutoring to support the transition from GCSE to KS5, visit aitutors.me.