Choices - in School and Beyond

When it comes to making choices it's good to:

• Plan ahead
• Research options carefully
• Discuss things with people you trust
• Know if there's a deadline

Some of the main choices you'll be facing will be

• at 13-14, you'll need to think about what courses to study in Years 10 and 11.
• at 15-16, you'll need to consider whether you want to stay in education after Year 11 or look for work or training.
• at 17+, you may want to investigate university or look at other options .

Work and educational options, and the opportunities that may be available, vary. They depend on anything from your skills, talents and abilities, to how well the economy and employers are doing. What's on offer may differ from school to school - or from one part of the country to another.

The Government has an influence too. For instance, from 2013 the official school leaving age will be raised to 17 (currently it's 16). You won't be required to stay at school but legally you will need to be in full time education, employment with training or similar.

Help with your choices

There will be plenty of people who can offer you advice and guidance. Most will have your best interests at heart - but remember that not everyone will give you information that is entirely unbiased.

• Teachers can tell you about the benefits of taking their course and might also have plenty of advice about the university they attended
• Family and friends who are working will often be able to tell you the good - and bad - things about their particular job
• The Youth Support Service will have people who are a useful source of knowledge about work (including apprenticeships) and education, as well as many other opportunities
• View the latest What Now at 16 booklet for information about choices, opportunities and contacts in Gloucestershire
• View the latest Forward booklet for information for young people with learning difficulties and additional needs
• Visit WOW Gloucestershire for information on the job market, job sectors, employability skills and future jobs in Gloucestershire
• Other useful websites: Directgov:Young People, Focus on Careers Gloucestershire, Life Tracks and Careersbox