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UK study for under-18s: A-Levels, sixth form and the Child Student visa

Finishing Year 11 and planning to study in the UK? The route before university is different from the one most guides describe. Here is how A-Levels, sixth form and the Child Student visa work, and what changes once you reach a degree.

Figures assessed against official UK government sources on 9 October 2026.

The routes after Year 11

Finishing secondary school does not mean going straight to a UK university. The common paths in are:

  • A-Levels at a UK sixth form or independent school, usually two years from age 16 to 18, then a UK degree.
  • The International Baccalaureate (IB), taken at some UK schools, which also leads to a degree.
  • Finish secondary at home, then come for a foundation year or straight into an undergraduate degree later.

Coming for sixth form means arriving younger, so the visa, where you live, and who is responsible for you all work differently from a university application.

Which visa you need

The Child Student visa covers children aged 4 to 17 (checked on the day you apply) studying at an independent school that is a licensed sponsor. You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the school, and you must apply within 6 months of getting it.

  • A 16 or 17-year-old studying a course at RQF level 3 or above (A-Levels count) can choose the Child Student route or the general Student route.
  • 16 and 17-year-olds must show they are a genuine student, and may be asked to attend a short interview.
  • Children under 16 use the Child Student visa only.

Living arrangements and a guardian

Because the student is under 18, their living arrangements have to be approved and backed by written consent from both parents (or the one parent with sole responsibility) or a legal guardian, covering study, travel, and where they will live. Accepted arrangements are:

  • Boarding at the school.
  • Living with a parent or legal guardian.
  • Living with a close relative or foster carer who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
  • Living independently, but only if aged 16 or 17.

Where a nominated guardian is used, they must be at least 18 and British or settled in the UK.

What it costs

The biggest cost is school or sixth-form fees, which for boarding schools are often higher than university tuition. On top of that you show maintenance funds. A 16 or 17-year-old living independently must show one year of outstanding course fees plus living costs, around £1,334 a month in London or £1,023 a month outside London, for up to 9 months. These figures change, so confirm the current amounts on gov.uk. There is also the visa fee and the immigration health surcharge.

Before you rely on this

Only independent, licensed-sponsor schools qualify, not academies, state schools or FE colleges. Apply within 6 months of receiving your CAS. Fees and funds thresholds change, so confirm every figure on gov.uk or with the school before relying on it.

Common questions

Can a 16-year-old come to the UK to study?
Yes. A 16 or 17-year-old can study at a UK independent school on a Child Student visa, or, if the course is at RQF level 3 or above (A-Levels are), on the general Student visa instead. Children aged 4 to 15 use the Child Student visa only.
Does my child need a guardian in the UK?
Under-18s must have approved living arrangements and written parental consent. If they are not boarding or living with a parent, a nominated guardian is usually required. That guardian must be at least 18 and a British citizen or settled in the UK.
Which schools qualify?
Independent (fee-paying) schools that are licensed student sponsors. Academies, state-funded (maintained) schools and further education colleges are not on the Child Student route.
How long does the visa last?
Up to 6 years for a child under 16, and up to 3 years for a 16 or 17-year-old, plus a short period after the course ends. Confirm the current limits on gov.uk, as these change.
What happens after A-Levels or sixth form?
A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate lead into a UK undergraduate degree. At that point the plan moves to the general Student visa, which is what the rest of Pathminder is built to help you prepare.

Does your own plan actually hold up?

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Where these figures come from

Every number on this page comes from official UK government guidance, not from agents or forums. Rules move without notice, so confirm anything your application depends on at the source.

Planning the degree that comes after? check your plan.