Preparing for options after Year 11 can never start too early. One excellent resource from Hertfordshire, our neighbouring county, is the HOP into Careers Service.
Please see here: https://www.hopinto.co.uk/explore-careers/decisions-at-age-16/

Students in Years 9, 10, and 11 need to be informed and actively explore all available options. The three options available are:

Sixth Form

Our Sixth form offers a wide range of A-level subjects and BTEC courses, as well as opportunities for personal development and preparation for higher education or the workplace.

Colleges

The three local colleges are Bedford College, Shuttleworth College, and North Hertfordshire College. Please use the links below to visit their websites and explore the future options available.
https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/
https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/colleges-and-campuses/shuttleworth-college/
https://www.nhc.ac.uk/
Webinar recording from Hertfordshire:
Going to college after year 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Haepl9smdMQ

Apprenticeships

Upon completing Year 11, students typically have the option of pursuing Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeships.  There are numerous websites available for finding apprenticeship opportunities:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/browse-apprenticeships#
https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
https://careerpilot.org.uk/information/apprenticeships/finding-an-apprenticeship
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/