DEPENDING on what you want to study, you could decide to stay on at school, or go to a sixth form college, specialist college, or university.

You can apply to more than one sixth form or college. Many colleges let you apply online through their website, or you can contact them for an application form.

You should start applying for popular or specialist courses in the autumn term of Year 11. For other courses, you normally apply in the spring. You do not normally need to apply if you want to stay on at your school's own sixth form.

Whichever route you choose after leaving school, it pays to keep learning. More and more employers are looking for people with higher level skills and qualifications.

To get the most out of studying after the age of 16, it's important to take time to choose the right courses and qualifications.

Ask yourself: what you are good at, and what you enjoy, whether you want to learn something new, do you prefer end of year exams, continual assessment or a mixture of both? Where will the course lead - does it fit in with your long term plans?

You could study for academic qualifications such as AS or A-levels or go for work-related qualifications such as BTECs, City and Guilds and OCR Nationals.

One of the best ways to find out what a college or university is really like is to go to an education open day. The try-before-you-buy aspect of schools, colleges and universities flinging their doors open to prospective parents and students is great. Open days have cemented themselves as an essential part of the process of looking for a place of education.

More and more adults are also attending college or open universities to gain new qualification and broaden their skillset. Why not sign up for a part-time course at your local college?

The choice can seem overwhelming, so if you want to take an academic qualification, but you're not sure which one is right for you call your local college or university for free advice.

The next step is to find a course at the university or college you want and apply through UCAS - for information about higher education go online to www.ucas.com

Your local council website should have details of courses in your area and these will range in cost.

If you can't study during the day or after work, why not speak to your boss about taking a qualification while you're at work. Your employer can even get support from the government's Train To Gain initiative.

Mature students, especially those with families, experience different pressures from the average 18-year-old, but most universities have an advisor on hand to deal with any issues.

Although qualifications cannot guarantee you a job, people with the right skills and qualifications have a better chance of finding a job with good prospects, and stability for life.

Top tips to get the most out of an open day:

• Shop around. Try to look at a minimum of three.

• Don't be too swayed by the individual teachers and lecturers you meet. They may have retired by the time your child finishes at the school.

• Check out the facilities but, more importantly, try to get a feel for the ambience of the place. Does it seem friendly, energetic, businesslike?

• Talk to existing students. Are they good ambassadors?