The summer and autumn terms are a very busy period for most students in Years 10 to 13 as they begin to prepare for their next steps. As a parent and carer, you will most likely be called upon to act as a taxi service to help your young person go to open days and open evenings at colleges, sixth forms, and universities, and it is a valuable opportunity to help them explore future ideas and options.
These events are a very useful chance to ask questions about course content and entry requirements, consider logistics such as transport and travel costs, suss out the cost of living and suitable accommodation if your young person is going to university. It is important to get a feel for the environment to gauge if it would be a suitable match for the individual’s personality and learning style.
Whether your teen is feeling excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, your support can make all the difference. Here’s how to help them get the most out of open days, and how to prepare together.
Step 1: Plan Ahead
Most open days happen between September and November, with some spring and summer options too for universities. Encourage your child to:
- Make a shortlist of places they’re genuinely curious about.
- Register in advance- some events require booking, and early sign-up often gives access to extra sessions or tours.
- Check travel routes and timings so see what will fit around work and school commitments. Many university open days are held on Saturdays. Consider whether you need to book overnight accommodation to attend, and how long the journey may take if you want to catch some of the taster sessions.
Step 2: Know What to Look For
Help your child think beyond course titles. Encourage them to explore:
- Course content: What modules are offered? Is there flexibility or specialisation? If studied at a university, does the course give exemptions from professional exams or lead to a specific career path? Could it include a year in industry or abroad, and what enrichment programmes, such as additional languages, are available?
- Course options: For Year 10 and 11 students, it is useful to consider what subjects and pathways at college, or sixth form would be most useful for their chosen career area or would allow them to keep options open for longer. For example, your young person might need specific A Level subjects for some professions (e.g. Biology and Chemistry for Medicine or Maths for Engineering). It is also useful to know what entry grades are required for different pathways (eg Level 2 and 3 college programmes), and will the course offer them other skills and experience such as work experience which is an integral part of T Level courses.
- Teaching style: Lectures, seminars, practicals, assessed coursework or exam-based preparation- what suits their learning style?
- Facilities: Libraries, labs, studios, social spaces- do they feel inspiring, too small, too big. If looking at universities, what are the plus points of the sports facilities, clubs and societies and student accommodation?
- Support services: Ask about wellbeing, careers, and learning support, as well as any financial advice and support available through the college or university.
If they’re considering apprenticeships or vocational routes, open days at local colleges often include employer talks and hands-on demos.
Step 3: Ask Good Questions
Help them to prepare a few questions in advance, such as:
- What kind of careers or further education do students from this course go into?
- How is the course assessed?
- What support is available for students with additional needs?
- How many students progress into jobs directly related to this course?
You can also encourage them to speak to current students- often the most honest source of insight!
Think about how Subjects are Assessed
Not all GCSEs are assessed in the same way: Some are entirely exam-based, whilst others include written coursework, practical work or projects.
It’s worth considering your child’s learning style. If they struggle with timed exams, a subject with some coursework or practical assessment may suit them better. Some of these options may be GCSE-equivalent qualifications, such as BTECs or Cambridge Nationals in subjects like Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, or Engineering. These qualifications are widely accepted by sixth forms, colleges, universities and employers and should not be seen as a “lesser” option.
Step 4: Reflect Afterwards
After each visit, take time to debrief. What felt right? What raised doubts? A simple checklist or voice note can help capture impressions before they blur together.
It may be useful to do some more careers research to clarify direction and generate Plan B ideas. Your young person can speak to their school careers adviser, and there are plenty of useful careers websites with career quizzes in our Resource Library.
Final Thoughts
Open days aren’t about having all the answers, they are a starting point for discussions, career exploration and to help your young person make informed choices and decisions. Your role is to help build confidence about making these choices, and to reassure them that whatever happens, they can rely on your support.
And if they come away more confused than ever? That’s okay too. Sometimes clarity comes from knowing what doesn’t fit. University especially, isn’t for everyone, and there are some great apprenticeship alternatives or sixth form leaver jobs which provide entry level opportunities and may suit your young person’s desire to work and learn rather than continue in formal education.
Wishing you and your young person all the best in starting the next phase of life and learning!
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