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.

At the start of year 11, scholars consider their  post-16 options with regards to the type of qualification, course, and training they would like to embark upon and the institution or provider they would like to attend.

During the autumn term, year 11 scholars have a weekly lesson with their tutor, supported by the careers team, to fully complete their post 16 applications by the end of December.  All scholars will be 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.

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:

8th December 2025 – scholars to complete and send 3 applications on ps16
8th Dec 2025 – 31st Jan 2026 – The Careers Team to check and send all applications to providers
30th Jan 2026 – Year 11 mock interviews day
1st Feb 2026 – 31st July 2026 – scholars to check ps16 account and emails weekly as they will be invited to interviews and welcome events. If they fail to attend these, they may not receive an offer. Offers will arrive from Feb 2026 onwards.
20th August 2026 – GCSE results day. Scholars collect their results and enrol at their chosen post-16 provider

Year 11 students will be issued with their usernames and passwords in October 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.