As your student approaches the end of their GCSEs, you may be wondering what the next steps may be for their education. The good news is that there are a wide variety of options and opportunities available for your student to pursue after finishing their GCSE exams, depending on their individual interests and future goals. 

Read on for a brief overview of what your student can do after their GCSEs, and our top tips in helping them make their choice:

Advanced Level Qualifications: A-Levels are a popular choice for many students who want to pursue higher education, particularly if your student wants to go to university afterwards, as most courses require specific A-Levels or A-Level equivalents. 

A-levels are two-year courses that focus on specific subjects and are offered by sixth form colleges or schools. Students usually choose three or four A-Levels to study, depending on their interests and career aspirations. They’re usually assessed by a series of examinations. 

You generally need at least a grade 6 in order to carry on with a chosen subject into A-Level, although this can vary depending on the school or college so you should always check! 

International Baccalaureate: the IB is a two year diploma programme is considered an alternative to A-Levels. Consisting of 6 academic courses across the 2 years, 3 at the standard level and 3 at the higher level, the courses are chosen from 6 umbrella subjects; mathematics, sciences, language acquisition, language and literature, individuals and societies, and art. 

The diploma focuses on developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills, requiring an additional course, Theory of Knowledge, an extended essay, and participation in non-academic creativity, physical activity, and community action. 

The IB Diploma is recognised internationally, covers a wider range of subjects and carries a good reputation especially in the eyes of universities.

National Vocational Qualifications: NVQs are designed to provide students with practical skills and knowledge in a specific field, ranging over 1000 subjects such as engineering, hairdressing, or business. These qualifications are offered by further education colleges, schools or training providers/workplaces and can lead to employment or further study. They measure practical abilities in the workplace and are usually assessed through a portfolio assessment and an observation. 

There are 3 levels of NVQ (level 1, 2 and 3), with each qualification taking roughly a year to complete. 

There are currently no specific requirements to do an NVQ.

Business and Technology Education Council nationals: BTEC diplomas (starting at level 3 and considered comparable to A-Levels) can be studied singularly, combined with academic courses like A-Levels, or as part of an apprenticeship. BTEC qualifications are specifically related to work in a particular field, and can be in fields such as construction, hospitality, travel and tourism. They can lead to further study or employment in that chosen field. 

You generally need up to 5 GCSEs above a grade 4, although this can vary depending on the school or college so you should always check! 

Apprenticeships: apprenticeships offer students the opportunity to work and train on the job at the same time as studying. Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries, including construction, engineering, and IT, and apprentices are paid a salary whilst working (at least the apprenticeship minimum wage of £5.28 per hour) and given dedicated study time too. Apprenticeships can lead to a qualification and a job offer from the employer hosting the apprenticeship.

The level of apprenticeship depends on which apprenticeship you choose, and each apprenticeship has different requirements. See how apprenticeships compare to other qualifications in the graph below:

The deadline for apprenticeships differs depending on the company organising so you should reach out to them directly to find out more. A great place to start looking for apprenticeships is the government website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship 

It's important to note that these pathways are not mutually exclusive, and students can combine some of them to create a unique education and career path that’s right for them. For example, students can choose to study A-levels and BTECs at the same time, or they can complete an apprenticeship and then pursue higher education.

So how can you help your child or student choose the right pathway for them after their GCSEs? Here are some of our top tips:

• Talk to your student about their interests and career aspirations - understanding their goals can help you guide them towards the right pathway.

• Research the different pathways - learn more about the different pathways available and the qualifications required for each one. This can help you and your student make an informed decision.

• Attend open days and events - attend open days and events at colleges and training providers to get a feel for the different options available.

• Seek advice from teachers and careers advisors - teachers and careers advisors can provide valuable advice and guidance on the different pathways available and what might be the best fit for your student.

With the right support and guidance, your student can succeed in whatever pathway they choose after their GCSEs! 

For more help in understanding the different pathways reach out to a member of our team today by visiting the Contact Us page of our website!