What should I do after my GCSEs? Am I better off going to College instead of a secondary school for A/Levels or is there something else I can do?

Well, students now have a wider range of options than before, so finding something that works for you is no longer as hard as it used to be. Although it can be difficult at this stage to know what you want to do, before you do decide, our team advise that you ask yourself a few important questions:

  • How best do you learn? Do you prefer to learn by doing or handling things practically, or are you fine with theoretical study?
  • Which subjects did you enjoy the most, and were you very good at those subjects? In essence, are the subjects you were good at the same as the ones you enjoyed? If they are, then this is a good indication of potential areas you could explore. If they are not, do you know the reasons for the difference? It is important for you to understand why the subjects you enjoy are not the same as those you are good at, so that you make the right choices.
  • What do you want to do for work at the right time? For instance, would you prefer a profession or career that is hands-on or do you prefer something very intellectual? In essence, are you the type that takes a look at a book, and you instantly understand what your classmates think is gibberish?
  • Do you know the subjects that will help you in the profession or career you are interested in?
  • Your personal circumstance and aspirations are vital. Which is the most important thing to you; getting the grades you need to get a university degree or getting the qualifications to get into work or a vocation as quickly as possible?
  • If going to university is most important, then going for A/Levels or International Baccalaureate are options to consider (their equivalents are called Highers in Scotland). If getting qualifications to gain experience or get into work quickly is your priority, then College qualifications (BTEC, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas), Post-16 Apprenticeships, or the newer T-level qualifications are worth considering.

See the list of resources and links below to explore the options open to you.

Name of resource Type of Content Free or Paid? What will you find there? Link to resource
Post-16 ApprenticeshipsInformation for early or level 3 apprenticeships (advanced apprenticeships)Free to viewAdvice relating to early or level 3 apprenticeships (advanced apprenticeships) UCAS Post-16 Apprenticeship
Tips for A-Level choicesOnline website – UCASFree to viewAdvice and tips on how to choose your A-Level subjects UCAS Tips on A-Level choices
Qualifications and courses for 16-19 year oldsOnline website – government ownedFree to view – courses may not be freeThis is a search-based site that allows you to find the relevant local authority websites or pages for post-16 qualifications and education based on the post code you provide. Explore courses and qualifications for 16-19 year olds
T-LevelsGovernment online websiteFree to view – courses or qualifications may not be freeInformation relating to T Level qualifications. These are new courses that follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A levels. Launched in September 2020, they are reportedly developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so are meant to prepare students for work, further training or study.Find out more about T-level qualifications
16-19 Bursary Online website Free to view Information relating to government funding and financial aid for students attending publicly funded schools to get things like books, study materialsAccess the 16-19 government bursary
Advanced Learner loansOnline websiteFree to viewInformation relating to government loans to fund the cost of going to college or attending a training. The loan is repayable but only after you start earning income that has reached a set threshold. Access advanced learner loans