Options after school: helping your child decide

When children reach Year 11, the options ahead seem vast and even vague. But even if they’re nonchalant now, their decisions will affect the rest of their lives. Gavin Evans (elder daughter is currently completing A levels), examines the options.

How should I approach the future with my child?

Do:

• start by asking for thoughts on the choice
• ask what she would most enjoy and what interests her
• discuss study and career options in her strongest subjects
• suggest alternatives for work or study

Don’t:

• lay down the law
• demand she follows a particular path
• Use bribery or blackmail
• say it’s her business alone (and neglect discussion)

What are the options for study after 16?

A-levels

Most English, Welsh and Northern Irish students who complete at least five GCSEs at A*-C grade do A-levels – at their own school or a sixth-form college.

In their first year, most do four AS levels (half-way qualification) and drop one for the second year. Over 250,000 students complete A-levels exams each year. The pass rate is 96 per cent. Students who want to go to university need at least two A-level passes.

• A-Levels: helping them through

International Baccalaureate

The IB involves six subjects over two years. It was once considered the preserve of independent schools, but today over half of the 100-plus IB schools are within the state sector, and it’s promoted as an option by the government. The pass rate is about 80 per cent.

SQA Higher

The Scottish system involves a broader range of subjects than A-levels (universities require a minimum of four Higher passes, all above C-level). They also have the option of an additional school year – to gain the Advanced Higher.

Vocational qualifications

The range of A-level subjects is wider than before, and now includes Vocational A-levels or Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) courses, ranging from business, engineering and construction to catering, travel and tourism.

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) relate directly to the world of work. There are NVQs for most industries and many professions, and the student’s job will relate to the chosen NVQ subject area.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are offered in 80 industries. Most take 12 to 24 months but some as long as five years. They are undertaken alongside study for an NVQ. There are 150 000 apprentices aged 16 to 18 (completion rate, 63 per cent), and the government hopes to increase this number to 240,000 by 2013.

Higher Education

After completing A-levels/Scottish Highers/IB Diploma your child will be eligible to apply for university.

• University: getting in

Gap Year

Growing numbers of students take a gap year after A-levels. Typically, they work for a few months; then travel abroad. Many use it as an opportunity to do voluntary work (in orphanages, aid organisations and other charities).

Author

Gavin Evans is a father of two daughters - aged 17 and 13 - and lives in North London. 15 years ago he changed gear from being a full-time reporter to full-time parent and part-time journalist. His writing on issues affecting fathers has been published in a wide range of publications including The Guardian, The Independent, Men's Health, Cosmopolitan, The Times and The New Statesman. He has written five books on sport, a chapter on men in Your Pregnancy Bible and is completing his first screenplay. Gavin also regularly posts blogs at www.gavinevans.net.

Your tips?

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