PS16 is an online prospectus and application system for young people to apply to school sixth forms, colleges and training providers. Anyone can browse the prospectus to find out more about courses and opportunities, but to make an application you will need a log in.

Over the next few weeks all scholars will be considering their post-16 options with regards to the type of qualification, course, and training they would like to embark upon after they have completed year 11. You will also be considering which institution or provider they would like to attend.

You will have a weekly lesson with your tutor, supported by the careers team, to fully complete your post applications by Friday 15th December. All scholars have now been set up with an account on the ‘Positive Steps @ 16’ (PS16) website. They will use this website to search for different colleges and providers and find out about the courses they offer.  They will then make their applications through this website.  All information and ‘how to guides’ will be uploaded to this page.  Whilst scholars will have dedicated time and support within school to research courses and complete their applications they will also need to spend time independently at home with support from parents/carers and families. Please contact the careers team in school or via [email protected] if you require any additional support.

Castle Mead Academy’s First Ever Post 16 and Careers Fair

Our post 16 and careers fair is a key part of the post 16 application process. During this event, your child will have the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of post-16 providers, local employers, apprenticeship providers and universities. The purpose of the evening is to encourage students to start to think about their next steps after they leave Castle Mead Academy. All young people are now expected to stay in some form of education or training until the age of 18; this event will provide them with an appreciation of the options available to them when they finish their GCSEs.

Local college open events autumn 2023

Alongside attending the CMA post 16 and careers fair, I would strongly encourage scholars and families to visit as many college and provider open events as possible, as this is the only way to get a true feel for what it would be like to study at each setting.

Beauchamp City Sixth Form – Sat 4 November 10am-2pm

Gateway College – Thu  26 October 5pm-7pm and Sat 28 October 10am-1pm

Leicester College – Thu 26 October 4pm-7.30pm and Sat 25 November 10am-2pm

Loughborough College – Sat 7 October 10am-1pm, Sat 4 November 9.30am-1.30pm and Sat 25 November 9.30am-1.30pm

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC)
Hinckley and Wigston Campus – Mon 23 October 5pm-8pm
Nuneaton, Harrowbrook and MIRA Campus – Thu 26 October 5pm-8pm
Hinckley and Wigston Campus – Mon 27 November 5pm-8pm
Nuneaton, Harrowbrookand MIRA CampusThu 30 November 5pm-8pm

SMB College Group
Brooksby Campus – Sat 28 October 9am-4pm
Stephenson Campus – Sat 4 November 10am-1pm
Animal studies open day – Sat 11 November 10am-1pm
Performing arts open day – Tue 14 November 5pm-7pm

Wigston College – Wed 8 November 5pm-7.30pm

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (WQE) – Sat 4 November 10am-4pm


What qualification levels mean

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are 9 qualification levels – Find out what they mean


T levels

What are T Levels video – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)


Choosing A levels

UCAS – Search for university courses

Discover Uni – Compare universities, courses and entry requirements

Russell Group information and advice on choosing A level subjects – Informed Choices

Key deadlines in the PS16 application process are listed below:

  • Monday 16 October – to have completed profile and researched / favourited courses and providers.
  • Thursday 9 November – try to have completed personal statement.
  • Friday 15 December – to have submitted at least two, but we advise three, applications.

Year 11 students have now been issued with their usernames and passwords in order to start to put together their post-16 applications via the ‘Positive Steps @ 16  website.

PS16 user guides

CMA presentations

Please note that some of the demonstration materials do look slightly different to the live site as the demo is a national resource, where as the website is branded as ‘Positive Steps’ at local level.