GCSE outcomes day: What are your choices?

by Michael Cheary

Simply received your GCSE outcomes, and undecided what to do subsequent?

For some individuals, passing their GCSEs means making the transfer into additional schooling. Nevertheless it’s actually not the one route you might take after sitting your exams. Particularly for anybody trying to earn cash straight away, or transfer into an trade which could not want a college diploma or increased schooling qualification to get began.

That will help you contemplate all of the choices, listed below are simply among the issues you might do after getting your GCSE outcomes.

I received the grades I wanted to go to varsity/sixth type

For those who’re trying to transfer into Yr 12, or proceed your research at school, getting the required grades is the perfect state of affairs. 

Now you can take pleasure in a well-deserved summer season off, earlier than you come back to high school. It’s additionally time to contemplate your subsequent steps. Must you go to college, or do you need to go straight into work after learning (by taking over an apprenticeship, for instance). 

However first, summer season… 

5 of the best-paying summer season jobs

I didn’t get the grades I needed

For those who didn’t get the outcomes that you simply had been after, there are just a few totally different choices on how one can proceed.

Attraction – For those who assume an error was made along with your grades you’ll be able to attraction to have them checked out. That is known as ‘requesting a evaluate’, and have to be executed through your faculty. You can additionally ask them to make an attraction to Ofqual. You’ll have to verify with the examination board what the deadline is for evaluations. 

Retakes – In case your attraction is unsuccessful, otherwise you need the possibility to really sit your examination, you’ll be capable of apply for retakes. These will happen in Autumn for maths and Englis. For all different retakes, you’ll have to take them subsequent yr through the regular examination interval –  and retakes could be managed by way of your faculty (though they will also be taken independently for a value).

A Degree and GCSE retakes: Why it’s by no means too late to resit your exams

I need to proceed learning – however not at college

Let’s face it, faculty isn’t for everybody.

However simply since you aren’t a fan of studying in a proper setting, it doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t get certified: with both a regulated, or skilled qualification. Actually, there are numerous programs on the market which is able to help you examine on-line, at a time that fits you. 

Some nice examples of topics you might examine if you happen to end faculty at 16 embody accounting (with a basis AAT qualification), hairdressing and magnificence remedy, and social care – however there are lots of extra choices on the market.

Nevertheless, there are some standards round whether or not or not you’ll be able to go away faculty, if you happen to solely examine part-time, which may imply working or volunteering at the very least 20 hours per week alongside your course.

We suggest visiting gov.uk or speaking to your faculty advisor, to search out out extra. 

GCSE equivalents: What it is advisable know

View all obtainable programs

I’m serious about an apprenticeship

Another choice for these trying to transfer out of formal schooling is to take an apprenticeship.

Most apprenticeships can be found to anybody aged 16 and above. And it isn’t simply the standard trades that may give you alternatives.

Apprenticeships can be found in over 170 totally different industries and vary from roles in Well being and Magnificence by way of to Building and Property, Plumbing to Graphic Design.

Not solely are they an effective way to get certified and be taught when you earn, they’re additionally a wonderful alternative to get your foot within the door with an employer and kick-start your profession in your chosen area. 

Apprenticeships for college leavers

Apprenticeships: get began

I need to go straight into work

Except for making use of for an apprenticeship, you might additionally determine to enter what’s often called a traineeship.

That is primarily a six month work placement, which is able to set you up for an apprenticeship or full-time working function sooner or later. Though traineeships are comparatively new, they’ll presently be discovered on the gov.uk traineeship website. 

Different routes into work may embody learning part-time, and becoming a job round your schedule, or taking a course which comes with some aspect of work placement. 

Taking a summer season job may be an incredible choice right here too, particularly when you have a tough concept of what trade you’d like to maneuver into. Though you might not be capable of tackle the job full-time at this stage, you’ll be capable of make invaluable contacts for whenever you do end faculty. It additionally provides you the chance to work extra throughout your down time.

All it is advisable do is write a good faculty leaver CV, and begin making use of. 

Fortunately, we might help with that…

5 of the best-paying jobs you are able to do after your GCSEs 

College leaver CV template

In search of work straight away? View all obtainable jobs now.