If your young person is in year 12 or 13 it’s never too early to think about what comes next. These two years are a crucial time for personal growth, exploring interests, and preparing for life after sixth form or college. With your support, your young person can make confident, informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
How You Can Support Them
Check in regularly: Talk to your young person about how they’re settling in, what subjects they enjoy, what’s challenging, and how they’re feeling overall. These conversations help them reflect, build confidence, and feel supported.
Encourage new experiences: Activities outside of studies, such as volunteering, joining a club, or taking a part-time job (ideally no more than 8 hours a week) can help them discover their strengths and interests. These experiences build valuable transferable skills like time management and communication, which are highly valued by employers and universities.
Help them Explore the Options: There’s more than one path after A Levels or other Level 3 qualifications (like T Levels, Diplomas, or the IB). Here are the main options:
- University Degree (Level 6): A popular choice for those who enjoy academic study. Applications are made through UCAS in Year 13, but research should begin in Year 12 or earlier.
- Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) ( Level 4, 5): These include Foundation Degrees, HNDs, and HNCs. They’re shorter than full degrees and focus on job-ready skills. Available through universities and colleges, they often require lower entry grades and can be an option for those changing direction.
- Apprenticeships: These combine work and study, with students spending 80% of their time working and 20% learning. Available at different levels, Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6) offer a university qualification without the debt.
- Employment: Some students may want to go straight into work. It’s important to explore what training or opportunities employers offer.
- Gap Year: A gap year can be a valuable time for work, travel, or short courses. It’s a chance to gain experience and reflect before making longer-term decisions.
Help Them Make Informed Choices
Encourage your young person to:
- Gain work experience: This helps them understand what different jobs are really like.
- Attend open days or virtual events: This helps them understand what different jobs or universities are like.
- Use careers guidance: Sixth Forms and Colleges have access to qualified advisers who can help students understand their options.
- Build a strong personal statement or CV: Part-time work, hobbies, and volunteering all add valuable experience.
You don’t need to have all the answers, just being there to listen, ask questions, and share ideas makes a big difference. Stay informed about different pathways, support their choices (even if they differ from your own expectations), and help them stay organised with key deadlines.
Want to learn more about how to support your young person through Year 12, 13 and beyond?
Take a look at our most recent webinar for parents and carers, where we explored post-18 options in more detail.
Insights into Careers
Looking for more advice, resources, and insights tailored for parents? Explore our growing collection of articles designed to help you support your child’s future. From careers guidance to educational opportunities, our ever-expanding library is here to inspire and inform. Click here to discover more!