Options at 18+

Opportunities after Sixth Form

Our careers programme and advice will ensure all students are secure in their next steps beyond Sixth Form, whetrher this be to continue study at University or to explore alternative experiences.

University Information

• UCAS - Central organisation through which applications are processed for entry to higher education
• HEAP - HEAP online is a good starting point to research university degree courses
• Unistats - Official website for comparing UK higher education course data
• University Compare - Compare the best ranked degree courses in the subject of your choice
• What Uni? - Compare aspects of degree courses
• The Student Room - Large online community of students where you can discuss universities, health, relationships, lifestyles and more
• bestcourse4me.com - Explore the links to subjects you are studying to potential careers that may lead from them
• The Complete University Guide - A guide to UK universities
• Higher Education Careers Service Unit - Detailed research about higher education and graduate careers
• Which? University - An independent website to explore universities and higher education courses
• UK University Search - Information about open days
• Careers Gateway - Links to information about careers and higher education
• Bright Knowledge - Guide to careers, education and student life

Higher Apprenticeships

For more information about Higher Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships.

• BBC News: Degree Apprenticeships - Article discussing the introduction of apprenticeships within which you can earn an honours degree
• Finding a Higher Apprenticeship - Government website to find a higher apprenticeship

Apprenticeships

General information about apprenticeships.

• Find an Apprenticeship - Government site providing information and advice
• Paid to Learn - A website for apprenticeships and careers advice for young people aged 16 - 18 years old
• Not Going to University - Information for alternatives to university
• Career Map - Apprenticeship vacancies
• Huffposts Students - Videos about apprenticeships
• Rathbone - Voluntary organisation with apprenticeship and workplace skills programmes
• Vision Apprenticeship - A website to help to find an apprenticeship
• QA Apprenticeships - A company which offers business and IT related apprenticeships
• Apprenticeship Stories - Real people who have got apprenticeships - their experiences
• The Apprenticeship Guide - Guide to apprenticeships, including higher apprenticeships
• The Apprenticeship Eye - Information and the latest news about apprenticeships
• UCAS Alternatives to Higher Education - Information about alternatives to higher education from UCAS
• Apprenticeship App - A free app to download to browse apprenticeship opportunities
• All About School Leavers - Information, CV and cover letter tips in applying for apprenticeships
• Success at School: How to Find an Apprenticeship - Different ways in which to get an apprenticeship
• Babington Group - A company which helps find an apprenticeship in a range of sectors
• GetMyFirstJob - A site for you to find apprenticeships and traineeships

Foundation Degrees

Alternatives to university include foundation degrees.

• UCAS: Foundation Degree - Search for a foundation degree and information on how to apply
• BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design - Information on another alternative

Overseas Study

If you are interested in studying abroad, the following websites provide information:

• The Guardian: Studying Abroad - Article about the best places to study abroad
• Erasmus + - A project which provides students in higher education a change to study abroad
• A Star Future - Information about higher education opportunities to British young people who may want to study abroad
• Study in Holland - Information about studying in Holland
• European University Central Application Support Service (EUNICAS) - Main gateway into applying for higher education courses abroad
• Fulbright Commission - Commission to promote and facilitate educational exchange opportunities between the UK and USA
• The Student World - Information about studying in a wide variety of countries
• Student Ladder: US Universities - Information about studying and applying for a US University

Choosing your Degree

If you are thinking of going to university, the choice of degree subjects and universities might be overwhelming.  The following websites provides information and advice on what subject you study at university might help you get the career you want.

• Target Jobs: Your Degree Subject and Your Career Options - Information about what you can do with a degree in a specific subject
• Student Ladder: Which Degree - Read all about the different subjects and what employers really think of them

Study Skills

• S-Cool - GCSE and A Level revision for specific subjects
• Tutor2u - GCSE and A Level revision for specific subjects
• Revision World - A free revision timetable for you to see
• BBC Research Skills - Tips for research skills

School Leavers

• Pure Potential - Information and a video about options for school leavers
• BDO - School leaver programmes in a variety of areas in accountancy, including audit, tax and financial services
• Ernst & Young - School leaver programmes in a variety of areas of business
• Grant Thornton - School Leaver Programmes in a variety of areas in accountancy, including audit, tax and financial services
• ICAEW - School Leaver Programmes to become a chartered accountant
• Mazars - School Leaver Programmes in a variety of areas in accountancy, including audit, tax and financial services
• PWC - Jobs and opportunities for School Leavers interested in accountancy
• Works For Me - Traineeships to develop skills for the workplace, and to help find employment in 12 weeks
• Deloitte - Opportunities for School Leavers to get involved with a global company
• The Guardian - 10 things parents need to know about school leavers - Want to explain School Leaver programmes to your parents?
• Student Ladder School Leavers - Information and advice on school leaver programmes in different sectors
• Step Forward - A full-time 12-month school leaver programme in London

Free Courses

Whatever you decide to do when you leave school, there is always opportunities for further learning.  Many are free or low cost, and often online.

• EDX - Free courses in a range of subjects, learn at your own pace and connect with other learners
• Coursera - Courses in a wide range of subjects offered by institutions worldwide, and learn at your own pace
• Mooc List - A directory of Massive Open Online Courses, where free courses are offered in a variety of subjects from around the world
• iTunesU - Access to audio courses in a range of subjects from leading universities - only through iTunes, iPad and iPhones
• Future Learn - Free courses in a wide range of subjects