Staying on in education
Friday 28 August 2009
Results are over! So what’s next? Here are some of the steps you can take.
Further education
Studying is more than just gaining a qualification at the end of your course. It’s about learning what you like, what you’re good at, gaining important life skills and opening up your future to different possibilities.
The September Guarantee ensures you a place at a school, college or training provider - so what have you got to lose?
I got five GCSEs at A*-C
With these results you can go on to do A levels at a sixth form or college. There are around 80 subjects available, most of which take two years to complete.
The qualification is split into two years, AS and A2, and each year makes up 50 per cent of your final grade. At the end of the AS you have the option to take the qualification as it is, or continue to study the full A2.
You can also study for a BTEC qualification which is more targeted to various areas of the industry. There may be an option for work experience placements as well. BTECs can be completed at three different levels. Within each level, the qualifications are available in a range of sizes, taking different amounts of time to complete. Find out more.
I got mostly Ds and Es
If you’re leaning more towards getting a job after Year 11, but don’t want to leave education just yet, then an Apprenticeship might be for you. There are no fixed entry requirements for most schemes.
Apprenticeships can teach you valuable work skills - and you get paid!
You can do your apprenticeship and gain a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at the same time, so you also gain a recognised qualification.
With Ds and Es you can also study for a BTEC qualification at level 2. Find out more.
I got Fs and Gs
Entry to Employment (e2e) is a scheme that can help you figure out what to do next, and also motivate you to go out and do it. You learn about three core areas - key skills, vocational development and personal and social development.
e2e is based on your needs so there are no time restrictions, but attendance is usually 30 hours a week for a minimum of 10 weeks. Visit Connexions for more information.
GCSE retakes
If you’re unhappy with your grade then you can retake some exams. If the subject you want to retake was made up of separate units then you can retake some and leave the rest as they are. Check with the school or college you’re interested in to see whether they have relevant retake courses available.
Diplomas
Anyone between 14 and 19 years old can study for a Diploma.
Diplomas give you the option to undertake both theoretical and practical hands-on experience in a subject area you’re interested in.
Right now there are 10 subjects to choose from including Creative and Media, Engineering, Hair and Beauty Studies and Information Technology.
Get all your Diploma questions answered here.
Funding your studies
Try not to fret about how to fund your studies. Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) allows you to carry on studying without having to worry about tuition fees and other education-related expenses.
If you’re between 16 and 18 years old and have left, or are about to leave compulsory education, then you can get up £30 a week transferred straight into your own bank account.
Find out whether you are eligible for EMA.
Work it
Education isn’t for everyone, so if you really think that it’s time to leave school or college, then go for it.
However, competition for jobs is fierce so you’ve really got to up your game. To make the most of the qualifications you already have then take a look at how to improve your CV.
Get some more job searching tips here.
