As GCSE results arrive it can be a worrying time but there are a variety of options available including: A levels, BTECs, NVQs, traineeships, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.   Don’t forget, up to the age of 18 you must be in education or training, or be combining work or volunteering with part time study.

If you don’t have any plans in place, time to do a bit of research and get yourself on track.

Not sure what your next step will be after GCSEs?

  1. Don’t panic. Find a parent or adult to bounce ideas off and help with applications.
  2. Find out what courses are available at local colleges – vocational courses, such as BTECs or NVQs, and A levels.
  3. Investigate the many types of apprenticeships available – enabling you to work and learn at the same time. There’s an enormous range. To name a few: agriculture, health, education, engineering, construction, tourism, information technology.
  4. Improve your literacy skills and prepare for an apprenticeship or work through a traineeship.
  5. If you have learning difficulties you could apply for a supported internship.
  6. If you’re really struggling to find a way forward, get in touch with the the Youth Employability Service East Sussex on Facebook or email YESEastSussex@themytrust.org.
  7. Work or volunteer and study part-time – is there something you’d love to do that would give you life skills, build your CV, and allow you to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people near you? 5 great reasons to volunteerSearch for a charity in an area that interests you.


Don’t think your GCSE grades are good enough?

  1. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a course – speak to the college and find out if they will relax the rules and accept you. You may also want to find out about alternative courses.
  2. Don’t forget, in English and maths a grade 4 is now the required minimum.  You will need to resit in November or the following summer.
  3. If you’re due to start an apprenticeship speak to your employer immediately about your results.
  4. If you feel strongly that your GCSE paper was marked incorrectly – find out about marking and how to appeal.
  5. Be aware that if you’re considering university you may be required to achieve specific GCSE grades as well as A levels.

Whatever your GCSE results, you have a wealth of options to prepare yourself for the future.