Young People in West Sussex Unaware of Future Options
Northbrook College urges parents to play a greater role in advising their children of future options, as new research reveals majority of pupils are unaware of post-GCSE choices
Northbrook College is calling for local parents to help as new research reveals that fewer than half of pupils preparing for their GCSEs receive specialist advice on post-exam options. Northbrook College has put out this call as research released by the Association of Colleges, shows considerable confusion among young people about their post-GCSE options. A half of Year 10 pupils surveyed were unable to name more than two post-GCSE qualifications; a quarter could only name one.
The study, which was conducted on behalf of the Association of Colleges has been released to launch the beginning of Colleges Week (26 th September – 2 nd October) and involved interviews with 500 pupils aged 14 who are currently studying for GCSEs.
The research found that while 63% of young people were able to name A-Levels as a post-GCSE qualification, very few could name any of the other choices available.
- Only 7% of pupils were able to name Apprenticeships as a post-GCSE qualification
· Only 26% of pupils were able to name NVQs
· Only 19% of pupils were able to name BTECs
· Only 9% of pupils were able to name Diplomas
· Only 3% of pupils were able to name Foundation learning courses
“Northbrook College provides lots of opportunities for both parents and prospective students to get in contact or to visit our College to find out what different courses and qualifications we have on offer. In light of these latest research findings, I would strongly urge parents to get in touch and help their children to explore all of the options available to them, before they make any decisions about their next steps, after GCSEs,” says Northbrook Principal Sue Dare.
Pupils said that the advice that they receive from their parents about the options available to them after their GCSEs is more useful than that received from teachers or careers advisors.
Joy Mercer, Director of Education Policy at the Association of Colleges, adds:
“These findings show that parents have a hugely important role in helping their children to fully understand all of their options. Young people deserve to know about all of the post-GCSE options available to them and their peers. These results suggest that guaranteed face-to-face guidance from an independent source would be preferable to asking schools and academies to be the primary source of advice.”