At the end of year 11, it’s time to think about your options for the future and to make decisions for the next year or two. It is an exciting time, but can be daunting, so this guidance will help you make decisions about what to do next.
Things to consider
When looking at your career, you need to consider what’s going to be the best option for you personally. It’s natural to look to your friends and to want to make decisions based on what they’re doing next, but it’s important you choose for yourself.
It’s a good idea to consider other ideas as a backup, in case things change or you decide to do things differently. To make the best choices, you need to be as well informed as possible. You should speak to those around you about your options and how they can support you, for example:
your teachers
your parents or carers
staff or advisers at school, college or training providers
a careers adviser
You could learn about your strengths and your passions by taking a skills assessment. If you enjoy what you’re doing in your next steps, you’ll get more out of it. You might want to consider:
which subjects you have enjoyed studying so far
which subjects have not been available to you but could be in further education
exploring careers to find out which job sectors you might enjoywhether you'd like to use the time now to do some volunteering or work experience in an area you feel passionate about, alongside study or training
Your options You can leave school on the last Friday in June, as long as you’ll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays. Once you have left, there are 3 main pathways you can take:
stay in full-time education
start an apprenticeship
spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering,
alongside part-time education or training
Full time education
If you decide to stay in full-time education, you could study subjects, a more practical and knowledge-based course or more technical or vocational studies
Some careers may require specific qualifications, so it’s best to research the option you're interested in and where it can lead.
Your full time education options include:
You can look through all of your training options, or get further help and advice on the Skills for Careers website.
If you have not got the results you expected or need, you still have options and there's plenty of support for you. You can get advice and support if you want to resit an exam .
Starting an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are real jobs which combine work with training and study. You can apply for an apprenticeship whilst you’re still at school. You’ll earn a wage, gain a qualification and experience and can put what you learn into practice. In some cases, you may be offered a job at the end of your apprenticeship.
You can find out more about apprenticeships on our Skills for Careers website.
Combining work and study
Although you must remain in either education or training until you turn 18, this does not mean that you cannot earn a wage or gain work experience at the same time.
There are several options, such as apprenticeships as outlined above, volunteering or working part-time for 20 or more hours per week.
Volunteering
Volunteering after leaving school may not be paid work, but can help you to gain valuable skills and experience which will look great on your CV or university application and help you decide if that industry or role is right for you.
There are also some opportunities to earn a qualification whilst volunteering.
Read more about volunteering to see if it's right for you.
Working part-time Working
part-time alongside study or training can help you to earn money, whilst
continuing to work towards your qualifications.
As well as a wage, you’ll gain real-life experience of the workplace and can get a feel for
whether this type of work would suit you in the future.
Rethinking your options
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to re-think your options, there’s lots of information and support to help you.
Having a backup plan and being open to different routes can be helpful as career plans often have to change.
Talking through your options can be helpful.
You should use the support networks you have available to you, these could include:
your teachers
your family and friends
staff in the school, college or organisation where you intend to move
careers advisers By speaking to those who can support you, and giving plenty of thought to what you would like to do next, you can consider all of your options and next steps, from retaking exams to changing your plan entirely.
Further information and support You may be eligible for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund . This can help you pay for things like books, travel or equipment if you struggle with education or training costs for your chosen path.
You can get support if you have a special education need or disability , including an education health and care (EHC) plan. This can help with choosing your next steps and getting extra help when you are in education, training or work.
