Parents and carers
Help a young person explore their options, compare routes and make a decision they understand.
Help them explore, not just choose
Young people make better decisions when they understand their options and feel able to talk openly about what interests them, what worries them and what they want from their next step.
Ask open questions
Try asking what they like about an option, what they are unsure about and what they want life to look like next.
Compare the reality
Look together at course content, travel, entry requirements, working patterns and progression, not just titles or reputation.
Keep more than one route open
A first choice is useful, but having a sensible alternative can reduce pressure and make decision-making easier.
Useful things to check together
- Entry requirements and application deadlines.
- Travel and the practical journey each day.
- How the course, job or programme is taught or organised.
- What support is available.
- What the route can lead to next.
- Whether the young person has actually visited, researched or spoken to somebody about the option.
Explore the main routes
Options after Year 11
Compare the main routes available after Year 11.
Compare the options →Explore careers
Help a young person research the kinds of work that may interest them.
Explore careers →Careers guidance
A careers guidance practitioner can help a young person think through their choices.
Get careers guidance →Need help?
A careers guidance practitioner can help you understand your options and decide what to do next.