Leaving school can feel like a big moment. After years of education—and probably
looking forward to some freedom—your final days at school can arrive surprisingly
fast. You're expected to have a plan and feel ready for the world of work, but it's
normal to feel the opposite—unprepared and unsure about what the future holds. The
good news? You're more ready than you think.
Everyone leaving school is in the same boat, dealing with mixed emotions and outside
pressure. While what you do next can shape your future, don't let that stop you from
exploring the many options out there. This is an exciting time to kick-start your
career and discover new opportunities.
We'll be looking at apprenticeships, where to start looking for jobs, and other
useful options to help you make informed choices and start building a successful
future.
Most of you reading this will be familiar with the English school system, but for
clarity, here’s a quick recap. You’ll typically spend seven years in primary school
(Reception to Year 6) before moving on to secondary school in Year 7. You’ll then
study towards your GCSEs in Year 10 and Year 11.
After Year 11, when you turn 16, you have a range of options. While education or
training is compulsory until you’re 18, this doesn’t mean you have to stay in
school. You can continue your studies, enter the workforce, or even take up a mix of
both.
So, what are your options after finishing school? Here’s a look at some of the paths available to you:
In England, you can leave school on the last Friday in June of the school year if you turn 16 by the end of that summer holiday. However, you must do one of the following until you’re 18:
Most of you will finish Year 11 at the age of 16 after taking your GCSEs. From there, you’re required to stay in some form of education or training until you’re 18, but there’s flexibility in how you do this. Whether you choose A-levels, an apprenticeship, or full-time work combined with study, there are many routes available to help you shape your future.
Everyone will have an opinion about what you should do after leaving school. Whether it’s an aunt who thinks you’d be great as a teacher or a friend trying to convince you to join them at university, people will want to offer advice. While they may mean well, the flood of opinions can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing. In the end, remember it’s your choice.
Some people have a clear vision of the path they want to take, while others feel uncertain. If you're struggling to decide, that's okay. There are some key questions you can ask yourself to help guide your decision:
If university is the route you’re considering, England has a fantastic range
of institutions offering high-quality education. Some of the top universities
in the UK include:
Remember, choosing what you want to do after school can feel like a big decision, but take the time to explore your interests, ask for advice, and think about what truly excites you. This is the first step in shaping your future, and there are plenty of options out there to fit your goals.
Leaving school in England can feel like a major life change. After years of structured
days, surrounded by friends, the transition into adulthood is abrupt. You may find
yourself with newfound freedom, but also a loss of the safety net that school provided.
Suddenly, you’re responsible for your own decisions and the path ahead.
It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions as you try to figure out your next steps. Here’s
how to handle it:
After leaving school, it’s normal to feel unsure about what career path to take.
That’s where work experience comes in. It offers a chance to explore different
industries and roles, helping you discover what you enjoy—and what you don’t. Even if
the experience shows you a role isn’t right for you, you’ll still gain insights and
learn more about your strengths.
Benefits of Work Experience:
If your school doesn’t organise work experience for you, it can feel daunting to
know where to start. You can do it during the school holidays or after you’ve
finished your exams, but it’s important to plan ahead to secure placements.
Businesses need time to prepare, so don’t expect to contact them last minute and
start the following week.
To secure work experience, try the following:
In England, apprenticeships provide a flexible and valuable pathway into a variety of
careers, offering a blend of hands-on work experience and academic learning. They’re
structured to suit different stages of your education and career. There are
Intermediate, Advanced, Higher, and Degree Apprenticeships, each catering to different
levels of qualifications and experience.
The government is aiming to increase apprenticeship opportunities, with many sectors
embracing apprentices as a vital part of their workforce. By 2020, the goal was to have
3 million apprenticeship starts, ensuring a wide range of opportunities for school
leavers and those looking to upskill or change careers.
To determine which apprenticeship is suitable for you, here's a bit more detail:
Who it's for: School leavers aged 16 or over who have completed
GCSEs.
What it involves: As an entry-level apprenticeship, this option is
ideal if you want to get into the workforce quickly while continuing to learn.
Intermediate apprenticeships typically take one to two years and are equivalent to
five GCSEs. You’ll split your time between working in your chosen industry and
studying towards relevant qualifications, such as a Level 2 diploma.
Industries available: Construction, childcare, healthcare, retail,
and more.
Whether you plan to continue with a modern apprenticeship, head straight into work
or apply for further education, you'll have the right foundation.
Benefits:
Who it's for: School leavers who have completed their GCSEs or
those who have finished an Intermediate Apprenticeship.
What it involves: Advanced Apprenticeships offer more
responsibility and a higher level of qualification, equivalent to two A-levels. They
typically take two years to complete, and you'll spend time in both the workplace
and training with a college or training provider.
Industries available: Engineering, IT, business administration,
marketing, and more.
Benefits:
Who it's for: Those who have completed A-levels or an Advanced
Apprenticeship
What it involves: Higher Apprenticeships offer a combination of
work and study at a higher level, equivalent to a foundation degree or above. They
provide a route into professional roles without attending a traditional university
full-time. You’ll work towards qualifications like a Level 4 diploma while
continuing to work and earn.
Industries available: Finance, healthcare, management, and
engineering.
Benefits:
Who it's for: People looking to gain a full undergraduate or
postgraduate degree while working.
What it involves: Degree Apprenticeships allow you to work
full-time while earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree, with your employer and the
government covering your tuition costs. You’ll split your time between the workplace
and studying at a university or college. These programs usually take between three
and six years to complete.
Industries available: IT, engineering, digital, finance, and civil
engineering.
Benefits:
An apprenticeship is an excellent option for young people and career-changers alike.
They offer a balance of education and on-the-job experience, helping you develop skills
while earning a wage. Here’s why apprenticeships are a great choice:
How to Secure an Apprenticeship
If you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship, here are some steps to help you
secure a position:
Tips for Your CV and Cover Letters
Your CV and cover letter are your first chance to make an impression on potential employers. As a recent school leaver in England, you might not have much work experience yet, but that’s perfectly normal. No one expects you to have a long list of jobs, but you can still make your CV stand out by highlighting the experience and skills you have. Think of your CV as a way to "sell" yourself to employers. Here are some key tips:
Of course, your CV should also include your academic grades. Highlight subjects that are particularly relevant to the role you’re applying for, but don’t focus too much on school itself. Instead, lead with transferable skills and demonstrate your interest in the field. Be sure to include the basics, like your contact details (with a professional email address).
Creativity is increasingly popular in CV presentation. Some candidates use infographics or videos to stand out, but only consider this approach if it suits the industry you’re applying to.
You'll always remember the call you got offering you your first full-time job. It's a
real sense of accomplishment. But how do you get to that point? It can take a while,
as a lot of preparation goes into taking that step on the career ladder.
Believing things are a certain way can often hold us back, as we make assumptions about
what can - and can't - be done. To make sure no opportunities are missed, check out all
these myths people tend to believe, and the reasons why you
shouldn't.
Altering your perception slightly can have a huge impact on what jobs you'll put
yourself forward for. The right attitude goes a long way in securing a position.
There are many misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships and career progression.
Here are some common myths debunked:
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for people who don’t get into university.
Reality: Apprenticeships are a valuable route into skilled careers and higher education. Degree Apprenticeships even allow you to gain a full university degree while working, without the debt.
Myth: You can’t earn a good salary as an apprentice.
Reality: While starting salaries can be lower, apprenticeships set you up for long-term career success. Many apprentices go on to earn competitive wages, and some industries, like engineering and IT, offer high starting salaries.
Myth: Without experience, you won’t find a job.
Reality: Apprenticeships are designed for people without much work experience. Employers know that you’re there to learn and develop your skills on the job.
Searching for Apprenticeships in England
To maximize your chances of finding the right apprenticeship, it’s important to search in the right places and use effective strategies:
As a school leaver, interviews can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never had one
before. However, with the right preparation, you can approach interviews with
confidence. Remember, it’s just a conversation, and interviewers want to get to know
you. Here are some tips for handling interviews:
Even if you don’t have much formal work experience, employers are looking for
certain qualities in school leavers:
Leaving school is a significant milestone, and your next steps will help shape your
future. Whether it’s a job, apprenticeship, or further education, make sure to
approach the process with confidence and curiosity. You’ve got the potential—now’s the
time to show it.
For more information to help you as you leave school in England, check out these
links:
School leaving age: Can you leave school at 16 and what are your options?
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/01/11/school-leaving-age-can-you-leave-school-at-16-and-what-are-your-options/
How to Decide What to Do After School
https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-to-choose-my-next-step/school/how-to-decide-what-to-do-after-school
The Student Room: Emotional About Leaving School
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=207674
Top Skills for School Leavers
https://targetcareers.co.uk/careers-advice/skills-and-experience/40-the-top-ten-skills-that-ll-get-you-a-job-when-you-leave-school
UCAS: Applying for Apprenticeships
https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships/applying
With the right preparation, securing a job or apprenticeship after leaving school is well within your reach. Good luck!