What next after GCSEs?

Top tips for young people

If you are one of the many 15 to 16 year olds who have just received their GCSE results, it is likely that you will be going into some form of further education or training.

More of you than ever are choosing to stay in learning after Year 11 because you are worried about the recession. One in five 15 to 16 year olds have changed their mind about leaving school to find a job and more than two in five are thinking more carefully about the subjects or qualifications they choose.

In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that you know what options are available to you so you can make the right choices. Last year, important changes began to be made to education and training for 14 to 19 year olds, which means there is now a broader range of exciting qualifications and learning routes available for you to choose from.

To explain these changes and give some post-GCSE results tips and advice, Maggie Cowan, careers and personal advisor from Connexions - an advice and information service for young people - says:

“If you have just received your GCSE results, it is important to remember that, whatever your results, you are guaranteed a suitable offer of learning, whether that’s at school, college, in training, or you may choose an Apprenticeship. Whether or not you stay in full-time education or training, it is important that you continue to learn and gain qualifications. Having qualifications will not guarantee you a job, but it will give you a much better chance of finding one that has good prospects.

“Education and training has changed a lot so before you decide what to do next, make sure you know what qualifications are available.”

Below is a list of the some of the post GCSE options:

• The Diploma, a new qualification which gives you the best of both worlds - a combination of classroom learning and practical hands-on experience. From September ten subjects will be available (though not necessarily all in your area) including Environmental and Land-based Studies, Creative and Media, and Business, Administration and Finance. The Advanced Diploma is worth three and a half A levels
• A levels are a well trusted option and have been updated. They suit students who prefer to learn in a more traditional way
• Apprenticeships are work based learning, where an employee learns on the job and gains qualifications at work and in college. The number and range available has increased, particularly in the public sector
• The Extended Project allows you to focus on an area you are really interested in. It is available as a stand-alone qualification (worth half an A level) or as part of the Advanced Diploma
• There is also a wide range of vocational qualifications.

Maggie continues: “There are lots of places where you can get up-to-date information and advice of the qualifications and learning routes available to you so you don’t need to decide your next steps on your own.”

Here is a list of ‘top tips’ and advice to help point you in the right direction:

• Do your research - find out about the different qualifications available to you and details of what they involve. Think about how you like to learn, what makes you happy and what you want from life, and also consider what qualifications are more likely to lead to employment.
• Look at your online 14 to 19 Area Prospectus yp.direct.gov.uk/14-19prospectus and school, college and other brochures and prospectuses or look at their websites to find out what courses and qualifications are available locally. Pay special attention to teaching and learning styles, assessment methods and course length
• Visit the Connexions Resource Centre/careers library and look up the courses that interest you or visit the Connexions website www.connexions-direct.com
• If you didn’t get good grades in GCSE English and maths, think about retaking these as they are important for many jobs and courses
• For advice on looking for jobs, including CV and interview preparation, and information about work experience and internships, higher and further education options, vocational training, and financial support available, visit www.direct.gov.uk/whatsnext
• Find out more about the new Diploma qualification, which combines classroom learning with practical hands on experience by visiting www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas
• Speak to your tutors/teachers/admission tutors about your options, which may include combining different qualifications and subjects. For example, if you choose to take the Advanced Diploma, you may be able to take an A level as part of the Diploma, because Diplomas are designed to include a number of qualifications.

[This research was carried out by Opinion Matters between 7 August 2009 and 12 August 2009 amongst a nationally representative sample of 1,005 15-16 year olds.]