Where do I go if I move out at 16?

I live in the UK and really need some information and advice. My parents and I argue and fight all the time; and we’ve both agreed that I should move out at 16 as I am creating problems for both myself and them. We argue about all the subjects under the sun; from the most ridiculously pathetic things to colossal and life-changing subjects. It is unbearable for me to carry on living with them as they are very controlling and bitter towards me. After each argument I’m left crying and distressed, and I sometimes need to calm down so much I walk out and don’t come back for a few hours.

This problem is not something that we can sort, as this has been happening since I was around 8 years old. I have attempted to confront them countless of times; all ending fruitless and sometimes disastrous. We’ve always had a somewhat unstable family relationship, but lately it’s been completely destroyed when I was caught smoking drugs. When confronted about the incident by my mother I told her straight; “I need escape”. Ever since that, she has been determined to get rid of me.

I am turning 16 in around 8 weeks and I have no background information or knowledge about the aspects of leaving home/moving out. Just recently the thought has occurred to me; I don’t know where I’m going to go after I leave. I have considered house-hopping for the first month or so, but I will need to find a permanent place to stay. I will still be attending school, so working and getting a job is out of the question. I still intent to attain a good education; pass my GCSE’s, attend college and university, get a good job, etc.

This is a really big dilemma at the moment because if I want to pass my exams successfully I will need a stable place of residence where to prepare for them, etc. I am desperate to know whether there are any benefits available to over 16’s concerning financial and residential arrangements, or if there is accommodation that I can live in without it being a shelter/youth hostel/care home.

Please help me, I don’t know what to do, and I really need information as I am currently clueless.