Post-16
Qualifications
Real qualifications in game development and digital skills. NOCN accredited, portfolio-assessed, and delivered by tutors who understand SEND. No exams. No classrooms. Just genuine learning that leads somewhere.
Qualification Pathways
Two pathways, multiple levels. Students progress at their own pace.
Game Development
Learn to design and build games using industry tools. From concept art and game design documents to coding in Unity and Unreal Engine. Students produce a portfolio of playable games.
What you'll learn:
- Game design principles
- Programming (C#, Blueprints)
- 3D modelling and animation
- Level design
- Testing and iteration
- Portfolio development
Digital Skills
Practical digital skills for the modern workplace. From basic IT literacy to web development, graphic design, and data handling. Qualifications that employers recognise.
What you'll learn:
- IT essentials
- Web design and development
- Graphic design
- Digital marketing basics
- Data handling
- Online safety and digital citizenship
How It Works
Designed to be accessible, flexible, and focused on outcomes.
Minimum 6 Hours Per Week
Post-16 qualifications require a minimum of 6 hours of guided learning per week. Sessions are spread across 2-3 days for most students.
Portfolio-Based Assessment
No exams. Students build a portfolio of evidence throughout the course — projects, reflections, and practical demonstrations of their skills.
Flexible Start Dates
We don't wait for September. Students can enrol at any point in the year and work through the qualification at their own pace.
Experienced Tutors
Our Post-16 tutors combine industry experience with teaching qualifications. They know the subjects inside out and understand how to support SEND learners.
Where It Leads
Qualifications that open doors to careers and further education.
- Junior game developer
- QA tester
- Level designer
- IT support technician
- Web developer
- Graphic designer
- Digital marketing assistant
- Further education (college or university)
Programme Details
Everything you need to know about our Post-16 Alternative Provision.
Who Is Post-16 Provision For?▼
Our Post-16 programme is designed for young people aged 16-19 (and 19-25 with EHCPs) who have an interest in games, coding, or creative technology, have SEND, SEMH, or other needs that make traditional settings unsuitable, are transitioning from KS4 Alternative Provision, are EOTIC (Educated Other Than In College) learners seeking a college alternative, or are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
Our provision is suitable for young people with or without SEND. Funding is available via Self-Funding, Direct Payments, EHCP, EOTAS, or Section 19.
NOCN Accredited Qualifications▼
As a NOCN Approved Centre (No. 12116), we deliver Ofqual-regulated qualifications in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development (SETPD). These are available at Entry Level 3, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 — at Award (~60 hours), Certificate (~180-210 hours), and Diploma (~370 hours) levels.
NOCN is a nationally recognised awarding body regulated by Ofqual, trusted by schools, colleges, and training providers across the UK. Every qualification is quality-assured and respected by employers and further education providers.
Example NOCN Courses▼
Foundations in Creative Computing (Entry 3): Computer basics, IT user fundamentals, planning and reviewing for personal development, equality and diversity, design and imaging software, desktop publishing, presentation software, mixed media in 3D art.
Digital Media & Creative Portfolio (Level 1): Building a personal career portfolio, presentation skills, work experience preparation, 2D and 3D artwork creation, website development, design software.
Digital Creation & Career Exploration (Level 2): Investigating a career, research skills, improving own learning and performance, time management, understanding IT in the workplace, design and video software.
Digital Futures & Creative Careers (Level 3): Building a personal career portfolio, equality and diversity at work, employment rights and responsibilities, time management, design projects, preparation for employment in creative and cultural industries.
Additional Disciplines Covered▼
Beyond our NOCN qualifications, Post-16 students can explore game design and development using Unreal Engine and Unity, coding and programming (Python, JavaScript, C#, Blueprints), digital art and animation (2D/3D, character design, asset creation), creative thinking and project-based problem-solving, video editing and content creation (YouTube, Twitch, digital storytelling), and VR and emerging technologies.
Students also gain AQA Unit Awards (Centre 84612) alongside their NOCN qualification.
Referral Sources We Welcome▼
We welcome referrals from Local Authorities, Virtual Schools, schools and colleges, youth workers and care teams, and parents and carers using personal budgets or direct funding. Online sessions are also available for learners unable to attend in person, delivered by our experienced Online Team with the same standards of engagement, safeguarding, and progression support.
Post-16 FAQ
Is Player Ready a college?▼
No. We are an alternative provision provider with NOCN centre approval. Our Post-16 programme is designed for young people who don't thrive in traditional college settings. We offer flexible attendance models — from one day a week to fuller timetables — with our focus on confidence, skills, and pathways to independence or further training.
What is the minimum commitment?▼
Post-16 qualifications require a minimum of 6 hours of guided learning per week. Sessions are typically spread across 2-3 days. Start dates are flexible — students can enrol at any point in the year and work through qualifications at their own pace.
Can 14-15 year olds access Post-16 content?▼
Yes. While Post-16 is the primary audience, NOCN SETPD is designed for learners aged 14+. Younger students can begin working through the curriculum with a view to formal qualification when they reach 16.
Where does a Post-16 qualification lead?▼
Our Post-16 programme provides clear progression routes to further education at college or university, apprenticeships and traineeships, supported employment, entrepreneurship in creative and digital industries, and entry-level roles in game development, IT support, web design, graphic design, and digital marketing.
Where to Study
Post-16 courses are available at all our venues.
Plymouth
2 Lockyers Quay, Plymouth, Devon
Exeter
Passmore House, Grace Road Central, Marsh Barton, Exeter, Devon EX2 8QA
Taunton
35 Bridge Street, Taunton, Somerset TA1 1TP
Truro
2nd Floor, Chiltern House, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2SF
Portsmouth
Bridge Shopping Centre, 93 Fratton Road, Portsmouth
Online
Post-16 qualifications available online for students who prefer learning from home. Minimum 6 hours per week.
Ready to Start a Qualification?
Enrolment is open year-round. Get in touch to discuss which pathway is right for your student.
Email alternativeprovision@player-ready.co.uk or call 0117 463 3150