GCSEs: Where next?

With GCSE results coming up this week, young people in Dorset will be looking to the future.

Dorset County Council has created a handy guide to help them and their families choose the next step in their education.

Young people are now expected to stay in education or training until they’re 18, but it doesn’t have to be at school.

There is a wide range of education, work and training options available: full-time study in a school or academy, further education (FE) college or with a training provider full-time work or volunteering combined with accredited training an apprenticeship or traineeship education and work options for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

The guide goes through all the options available, including information on funding, transport and SEND provision.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Cabinet member for education, learning & skills said: “Now that all young people are expected to stay in education or training until they are 18, there are more opportunities than ever to gain qualifications and skills that will help them progress further in their careers.

“Many students will now be considering their options and we hope this guide will help young people make the best choice for them.”

The guide is available online at dorsetforyou.gov.uk

Young people will also have to consider their travel arrangements when choosing their options, as transport for over 16s is not free. Local schools and colleges will have information on what is available in their area. More information about school transport can be found at dorsetforyou.gov.uk

With GCSE results due today, young people in Dorset will be looking to the future.