Education Choices 13-16+

This section is divided into a number of categories. To go directly to your area of interest, click on one of the options below or scroll down the page to read it all;

Finding a Course

Between 13 and 16 you will need to make choices about which GCSE’s to choose and then whether you want to continue your education after GCSEs, find a job or a training course. Check out the Surrey Area Prospectus website for info on every school, college, course and educational opportunity in Surrey.


Your local Connexions Centre and school/college will be able to provide information on the full range of learning opportunities open to you.  They will also be able to tell you about entry qualifications for jobs, the type of experience that you will need, local training opportunities and higher education.  They will also be able to provide you with prospectuses for local sixth forms and colleges.  Some of this information can also be accessed online. Check out details on the Surrey Area Prospectus website or visit: 

If you are a Young Apprentice and want to download a copy of the Progress Log, please click here 

Help, I don’t know what to do

teenager thinkingA good way to start is to look at all the options open to you and talk to someone whose views you value.  This might be a parent or friend, or possibly someone you know who had to make a decision about their future last year.

Remember if you want some expert help you can arrange to meet a Connexions Personal Adviser in school or at your local Connexions Centre.  Connexions Direct also offers a free and confidential telephone helpline service on 080 800 13 2 19.



Choosing the best options for you at 14+

At 13 or 14 you will be starting to think about which subjects you would like to continue with, and hopefully take for GCSE.  You may also want to think about whether you want to take any vocational and work related courses, the careers you may be interested in and what you would like to do following GCSEs.

You will need to think about:

  • What subjects are on offer
  • Which subjects you enjoy (or dislike)
  • Any subjects that you need to study for career ideas that you already have
Useful information:
Check your school library or local Connexions centre for other information


Choosing the best options for you at 16+

At 15 or 16 you should be thinking about your post GSCE options.  Are you considering further education, work-based training or a job?  Have you looked at the vast range of subjects and qualifications on offer?  You will find that there are many more courses to choose between once you have completed your GCSEs.

If you want to continue with your education then the most important thing is to work out what type of course(s) you want to do and then where you can study the subjects you have chosen, within reasonable travelling distance.

If you need help in identifying which courses are most suitable for you, talk to your teachers, parents and Connexions Personal Adviser.  Your school library should have a number of computerised careers programmes that will help you to identify your interests and match these to jobs and courses.

Many students choose to stay on in their current school if it has a sixth form.  There are obvious advantages to this: you will know the teachers and probably have your friends around you.

Alternatively you may consider a different sixth form, sixth form college or college of Further Education, because these offer more work-related courses or academic courses that are not available in school.  

To make up your mind:
  • Take a look at the Surrey Area Prospectus website
  • Visit www.connexions-direct.com/itsyourchoice to look into all the issues
  • Get hold of prospectuses from schools and colleges in your area. (Your local Connexions Centre should have copies you can look at.)
  • Find out where your school or local college features in the local league tables – visit www.dfes.gov.uk/performancetables
  • Attend open evenings/days when you can see the facilities on offer and speak to teaching staff and students
  • Read It’s Your Choice magazine, published by Connexions and available from your school or Connexions Personal Adviser
  • Get a copy of What Next? and/or How to choose your A levels published by Trotman
  • Check out whether you might qualify for financial support if you stay on in education by claiming Education Maintenance Allowance – visit www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema
  • Visit www.ukcoursefinder.co.uk

Remember, you can apply to more than one sixth form or college, but whatever you decide you must check application closing dates.



Work and training

Not everyone wants to continue in the traditional school/college environment.  If you are keen to find a job and/or continue your learning and training once you have started a job see the Work and Training leaflet for more information.  

Part-time and distance learning are also options open to anyone aged 16+.  To find out what part-time courses are available in your area, contact your public library, local colleges and your Connexions Personal Adviser.

Your school, college and local Connexions Centre may have the Working In series of books which describe all sorts of jobs and careers. These are also downloadable from www.connexions.gov.uk/publications/careerpubs.

If you are thinking about looking for a Young Apprenticeship, you can get some useful background by downloading the YA Progress Log here...

Other Websites

 

 Need advice now?

Find your local Connexions Centre on the interactive map. Don’t forget you can also call Connexions Direct on 080 800 13 2 19 (lines open 8am – 2am, seven days a week), text 07766 4 13 2 19, or click here for a webchat with a Personal Adviser.

Surrey Map

Activities Map

Check out our map of events, activities and projects for young people in Surrey

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