Helping your child decide what’s next after Year 11.

Around 80% of young people stay in education after completing their GCSE/ National 5s. The main options to consider are:

Vocational qualifications

These tend to have a more practical approach, equipping with both the hands-on skills and practical knowledge to undertake the job. They range from those with a ‘Tech’ orientation (generally common in fields such as engineering, IT and Science) to those with an ‘Applied’ orientation (generally common in broader fields such as business, social science or sport).

The most popular further education progression option after GCSE/ National 5s is the Level 3 qualification. These include Level 3 NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) or SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications), BTEC Nationals, Advanced and Progression Diplomas, BTEC, OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technicals, T Levels and CACHE Level 3 Diplomas. Completing this level will enable entry into University, Degree Apprenticeships, some Training Schemes and a range of technical or supervisory roles

Apprenticeships (and traineeships)

This option is common with those who are fed up with full-time classroom education but want to practically learn a new trade, profession or set of skills. An apprenticeship is typically a full-time paid job with integrated on-the-job and college training built in. Apprenticeships that are ideal for school leavers tend to be Levels 1, 2, and 3 and their duration usually ranges from one and three years.

Traineeships tend to be unpaid training and work experience opportunities to help prepare you for an apprenticeship or work. They tend to be short –could be a few weeks or could last up to six months. They are popular for those who didn’t get a good grade in Maths and English as they often integrate Maths and English training to boost your chances of employability or of joining an apprenticeship.

A-levels, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Generally, these typically adopt a more academic study approach with a course structure focussing more on written work and exams. A Levels/ Scottish Higher and Advanced Higher are considered the main (but not the only) route into university/ higher education. Most people usually study three subjects over a 2-year period with main exams taken at the end of the course.

Tips for choosing the right subjects at A-level

• Choose subjects they are strong at. Your child is more likely to be motivated to study a subject for which they have a natural ability. A good rule of thumb is to pick a subject they have sufficient ability to get at least a Grade 6 (B) in their GCSE/ National 5s. Choosing subjects in which they are predicted to get strong GCSE grades increases their chances of great A-levels and better prospects with wider degree/employment options.

• Choose subjects they are familiar with and enjoy. Again, your child will most probably be more motivated and engaged studying a subject they ‘to some extent’ enjoy. Take time to familiarise with the range of subjects available at A-levels including some that are new to them

It is a good idea to consider a subject they have a connection with:

- Someone who loves researching, developing an argument, and logical presenting ideas should consider subjects like history, sociology or law.

- Someone who loves the outdoors, nature and environment-related issues may consider subjects like Geography, Biology or Environmental Science.

• Align the subjects to career aspirations. Most universities and employers give guidelines of what subjects are prerequisites for each degree or apprenticeship. For instance:

- Pharmacy generally require Chemistry, plus at least one from Biology, Maths and Physics

- Medicine generally require Chemistry, plus at least one from Biology, Maths and Physics

- English generally require English Literature and/or English Language

- Engineering generally require Maths and one related subject such as Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Science, Computing, Design

• Avoid combining overlapping or ‘too similar’ subjects. Examples of combinations that could be classified as too similar, overlapping or too narrow and might cause issues:

- Biology and Human Biology

- Business and Economics

- Business and Accounting

- Drama and Media Studies

• Minimise ‘non-preferred’, new and nontraditional subjects. Try to have a maximum of one of these less popular subjects. Examples of subjects that fall under this list include: – PE – Music – Media Studies – Drama – Textiles –Dance – Accounting – Home Economics

• Prioritise ‘facilitating’ subjects. Facilitating subjects are commonly preferred A-level subjects. If possible, include at least one or two of these in your combination. Examples of subjects that fall under this list include: –Mathematics – English – Geography – Biology – Chemistry – Physics – History – Classical / Modern languages

• Should you take three or four subjects? Our recommendation is to concentrate on the minimum required 3 subjects as much as possible, unless you feel you really need a wider choice, want to impress in your Oxbridge application or are very convinced the increased workload is not going to be any issue.

• Research. Read the syllabuses and consult teachers and Careers Advisors

• Lastly decide whether FE college, sixth Form college or sixth form is preferred. Sixth Forms tend to focus more on the academic subjects, typically A Levels. Most colleges tend to provide a much wider range of courses at different levels including vocational qualifications and in most cases A Levels as well. The learning environment at college tends to be more relaxed, with a less congested timetable, a more casual dress code (freedom to wear what you want) and a more diverse age range.

• Before making a choice, your child should: www.studential.com/student-underground/categories/a-levels icould.com uses the power of personal stories to inform young people’s career choices. https://icould.com/explore

- consult with teachers and Careers Advisors and any relative/friends who have progressed to Sixth Form/Sixth Form College/FE College.

- visit the different institutions and have a firsthand experience of what it’s like to be at a Sixth Form/Sixth Form College/FE College.

- consider their career aspirations and research where the majority of people in their preferred profession/trade have studied.

Useful Websites for More Information.

Student Underground is an alternative UK Education blog.

UCAS helps to inspire & empower people to make aspirational choices about higher education & learning. https://www.ucas.com/further-education

The Uni Guide delivers the high-quality, expert advice & guidance, independently and free of bias. www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices

Informed Choices is written by admissions directors from the 24 Russell Group universities & provides information on why subject choice matters. www.informedchoices.ac.uk/qualifications

GOV.UK – Apprenticeships provides practical advice on what an apprenticeship is & how to find one. www.gov.uk/become-apprentice

National Careers Service provides information, advice & guidance to on learning, training & work. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk is the essential springboard into the job market for school & college leavers. www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/school-leaver-options

Not Going To Uni showcases the alternatives to the standard university route to school & college leavers. https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/