Students

Year 7-11 Students

You may be faced with a lot of questions at the moment and we’re here to help.

In this section we have lots of useful tips and information to help you make the best decision about your education options in Year 7-11 including:-

  • Choosing your GCSE options
  • Next steps after Year 11
  • Why go to university?
  • Extra-curricular activity - why is it important
  • Student money matters

You can also click on the topic buttons on the right for loads more information and free resources on specific topics.

Useful links

Future You
Apprenticeships
Care experienced students

Choosing your GSCEs

If you’re in Year 8 or 9 you’ll be choosing your GSCEs subjects. Some like English and maths are compulsory but others you can choose based on your interests.

Spend a bit of time thinking about your skills, what you’d like to do at the next stage of your educational journey and your future career. If for example you’d like to be a doctor you will need to take science subjects at GCSE.   

Download this handy subject guide from Uniconnect partner Higher Horizons.

 

Next steps : Life after Year 11

In Year 11 you’ll begin to be asked what your next steps are and what you want to do after your GCSEs. Even if you don't know exactly what you would like to do in the future, there are steps that you can take now to help make it a little easier.

There are a wide range of options available to you after you finish Year 11. By law you are required to be 'in education' until you turn 18. This can be studying A -levels, T levels, Apprenticeships and BTEC full-time. These are known as Level 3 options. You may prefer to do these at college or a sixth form. 

Another option is to do a level 2 apprenticeship or a job with training. As always, it’s important to make your decision based on what is best for you and not on what your friends are doing.

Take a look at this video for a good overview of your options or scroll though the carousel below for a quick summary.

Level 3 options at a glance

All post-Year 11 options have their benefits. Choosing the right pathway for you is what matters. Scroll through to consider which option might be best for you.

< Swipe to scroll >

A-levels

  • Can be studied at 6th form or college 
  • Must have 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9 usually including English and Maths. 
  • Assessed by exams. Some A-levels include coursework and practical assessments. 
  • Can study up to 4 subjects in your first year then drop one in your second one. You may be able to take a mix of A-levels and BTECS or other diplomas.
  • Accepted by all universities so a great way to keep you options open.  
  • Sixth form has a similar feel to a school

Apprenticeships 

  • Combines practical learning and study
  • Gain real work experienced 
  • Earn money as you study 
  • Designed to help you develop the skills you need for a specific job
  • Apprentices will be in work for at least 30 hours a week – the remaining 20% of your working hours will be spent at college or with a training provider
  • There are different types of apprenticeship depending on what level of study you are doing. Find out more in our Apprenticeship section

BTEC

  • Can be studied at college or sixth form
  • More vocational (that means its related to a particular occupation and its skills)
  • More practical – combines hands on learning with subject study
  • Designed for students who have some idea of what industry or sector they would like to work in
  • Entry requirement depend on the course you are interested in 
  • BTECS are accepted by most universities However if you’re planning to study for a degree in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM), make sure you look carefully at the requirements.
  • The govt has recently announced its intention to phase out most BTECS and other diplomas from 2023 onwards

T-levels

  • T-levels are new(ish) two year courses that are designed by employers and address skills shortages across different occupations. By Sept 2023 T-levels will be available in 23 different subject areas.
  • T-levels are equivalent to 3 A-levels and include a 45-day  work placement.
  • Suited to students who know of what industry or sector they would like to work in
  • T-Levels include a technical qualification which includes core skills, theory and concepts for the industry.
  • T-levels support students who want to progress into higher education
  • To find out more, visit tlevels.gov.uk/students/subjects

What are the benefits of going to university or college to get a degree?

Going to university or college is a big commitment, in both time and money, but by getting a degree you will be making a big investment in your future. It will increase your chances of getting a good job and improve your earning potential.

Did you know the average salary for graduates is 30% higher than for non-graduates aged 25-30? For many it’s also an exciting opportunity to try new activities and meet new friends.

Extra-curricular activity. What is it? And why is it important?

When applying to post-GCSE options and higher education, the people looking at your application will like to see a well-rounded applicant who has transferrable skills and interests outside of their academic studies. Activities that are done outside of usual school work like hobbies, sports and personal development are known as extra-curricular  activities and are a great CV builder as well as a fantastic way to meet new friends, strengthen existing friendships, and shake off the stress of school!

Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities?

Our extra-curricular section has lots of ideas for activities you can do that are relevant for subjects you are interested in, and how you can use them to super-boost your application. 

Student Money Matters 

There is a lot of misinformation about university and student finance out there.

Take a look at our Student finance resource to help you find out what student finance you could access and the facts about how it all works.

Student Finance

Further Information

Future You

Apprenticeships

Care experienced students