Sometimes it might feel like school isn’t that important, but the truth is education is all about opportunities. Every lesson you learn and every skill you develop opens doors for your future.
Getting a good education gives you choices. It means you can decide to go to university, explore exciting careers, or even start your own business one day. Without education, many of these options simply aren’t possible. Think of education like a key—it unlocks paths that lead to your dreams.
So, when you work hard in school —you’re building the foundation for the life you want. The more you learn now, the more freedom you’ll have later to choose your own path when you are older.
What are the other benefits of education?
Having a good level of education also helps:
You have the skills to learn more about what is happening in the world and be more curious.
Gives you the knowledge to ask questions instead of believing everything you see or are told.
Encourages you to get involved in your community because you understand and care about real issues.
Helps you solve problems
Why is school important?
School is important for lots of different reasons, it's not just a place to learn, here are a few reasons why school is important;
School can allow you to enhance your self-esteem and gives you a wider sense of choice
The friends you meet now at school may be the friends you go through life wit
You will develop new skills and improve the ones you already have
You will have wider access to lots of different options after school, if you stick with and get the right grades
You will be more likely to achieve in your chosen career if you succeed at school
Schools are not perfect and you might encounter problems at school sometimes. Young Minds have a guide for young people on tackling different issues at school.
Why is school important?
School is important for lots of different reasons, it's not just a place to learn, here are a few reasons why school is important;
School can allow you to enhance your self-esteem and gives you a wider sense of choice
The friends you meet now at school may be the friends you go through life wit
You will develop new skills and improve the ones you already have
You will have wider access to lots of different options after school, if you stick with and get the right grades
You will be more likely to achieve in your chosen career if you succeed at school
Schools are not perfect and you might encounter problems at school sometimes. Young Minds have a guide for young people on tackling different issues at school.
The future of our society depends on you and your peers, so in order for you to start your adult life with all the skills, qualities and attributes you will need to succeed, you will now continue your education or training until the academic year in which you turn 18.
This is known as raising the participation age, the Government's policy to give all young people the opportunity to develop skills and qualifications, secure employment or progress to higher education. This may sound alarming but it's there to give you the best chance at achieving your goals and going on to be successful at whatever you choose to do in your adult life.
When you finish secondary school, there are many choices including:
Full-time education at college, sixth form college or school sixth form
Work based learning such as an apprenticeship or foundation learning
Part-time education or training if you are employed, self employed or volunteer for 20 hours or more a week
Take time to research which option is best for you. Here are some tips:
What learning style suits you best? Do you like being in a classroom? Do you prefer practical subjects? Do you prefer exams or course work, or a mixture of both?
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Which subjects do you enjoy?
What would you like to do in the future? Think about where the course, work based learning or job will take you?
The future of our society depends on you and your peers, so in order for you to start your adult life with all the skills, qualities and attributes you will need to succeed, you will now continue your education or training until the academic year in which you turn 18.
This is known as raising the participation age, the Government's policy to give all young people the opportunity to develop skills and qualifications, secure employment or progress to higher education. This may sound alarming but it's there to give you the best chance at achieving your goals and going on to be successful at whatever you choose to do in your adult life.
When you finish secondary school, there are many choices including:
Full-time education at college, sixth form college or school sixth form
Work based learning such as an apprenticeship or foundation learning
Part-time education or training if you are employed, self employed or volunteer for 20 hours or more a week
Take time to research which option is best for you. Here are some tips:
What learning style suits you best? Do you like being in a classroom? Do you prefer practical subjects? Do you prefer exams or course work, or a mixture of both?
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Which subjects do you enjoy?
What would you like to do in the future? Think about where the course, work based learning or job will take you?
If you did not get the grades you wanted in your GCSEs do not panic! There are lots of options when it comes to retaking.
What are my options?
If you are going to school, sixth-form or college then you should be able to retake your GCSE(s) alongside the courses you have chosen.
Speak to your teacher or college advisor about the possibility of retaking at school, college or sixth-form and they should be able to advise you on what to do.
Retaking your GCSEs whilst working: (Working may include; starting an apprenticeship, work experience or a full or part-time job)
There is no time limit on getting your GCSEs. You can always go back and get them later - whenever you are ready. For example:
Night school - schools or colleges may hold evening classes where you can retake your GCSE(s) this can be a flexible option that will fit round work
Distance learning - this option may suit you if you are working full time as you can study for your GCSE(s) online with the help of course materials being posted to you, you will need to register with an approved college so you can take your GCSE(s) onsite with them
Day release - if your employer agrees then you will be required to spend a working day in your local college or learning provider working towards retaking your GCSE(s)
It really is never too late!
If you did not get the grades you wanted in your GCSEs do not panic! There are lots of options when it comes to retaking.
What are my options?
If you are going to school, sixth-form or college then you should be able to retake your GCSE(s) alongside the courses you have chosen.
Speak to your teacher or college advisor about the possibility of retaking at school, college or sixth-form and they should be able to advise you on what to do.
Retaking your GCSEs whilst working: (Working may include; starting an apprenticeship, work experience or a full or part-time job)
There is no time limit on getting your GCSEs. You can always go back and get them later - whenever you are ready. For example:
Night school - schools or colleges may hold evening classes where you can retake your GCSE(s) this can be a flexible option that will fit round work
Distance learning - this option may suit you if you are working full time as you can study for your GCSE(s) online with the help of course materials being posted to you, you will need to register with an approved college so you can take your GCSE(s) onsite with them
Day release - if your employer agrees then you will be required to spend a working day in your local college or learning provider working towards retaking your GCSE(s)
This bursary is intended to help students pay for education-related costs, this includes:
equipment or uniform for college courses
lunch
a laptop
It is intended for students who are aged 16 to 19, however if you are older and in full-time education, the bursary is paid directly by your school, college or training provider and the best way to apply for it would be to speak directly to your school/college and they should be able to help you apply.
Entitlement to level 2 & level 3 fee remission
The Level 2 fee remission is for students aged 19 to 23 (on the course start date) who are undertaking a Level 2 course who do not already have a full Level 2 qualification.
A full Level 2 qualification would include 5 GCSEs A-C, NVQ 2, BTEC First Diploma. If you do not have any of these, you will meet the necessary requirements and will not be charged tuition fees.
The same applies for the Level 3 course, provided that you do not already have a full Level 3 qualification.
A full Level 3 course would include 2 or more A-Levels, GNVQ Advanced, BTEC National Diploma, Access to Higher Education, NVQ Level 3 or a vocationally related or other general qualifications at Level 3.
City & Guilds offer a small amount of bursaries to people who would like to study City & Guilds/ILM qualifications but cannot due to financial reasons. You can use your bursary for a wide range of things:
Paying for your course and/or your exam fees
Covering living costs if you are unable to work whilst you are completing your course
Covering child care or travel expenses
Covering other costs that are making it difficult for you to enrol on a course
City & Guilds will not make any retrospective payments such as; payments for a career development, or any deferred loans you may have taken out with college or your bank.
If you are aged 19 and on a higher education course and facing financial hardship, you can apply to get Discretionary Learner Support (DLS). You apply direct to your college or other learning provider that you may be using and they will decide how much they will give you, based on your circumstances.
The money could pay for:
accommodation and travel
course materials and handouts
child care (you must be over 20 to apply for help with child care)
If you already claiming one of the below payments, you can still apply for DLS:
professional and career development loans
Care to Learn
Disability Living Allowance
How will the money get paid to me?:
A direct payment to you, which you won't have to pay back
A loan, which you will have to pay back
Paid to someone else, e.g. your landlord
You can't claim DLS if you are already receiving one of the below payments:
If your thinking about applying for course in medicine, dentistry or healthcare you could be eligible for a NHS Bursary. You bursary will give you help with your tuition fees and living costs.
If your applying for a social work course you can access the social work bursary. The bursary can be used to help with course fee and the cost of living, you won't have to pay it back and the amount you receive won't depend on your household income.
If you are thinking about applying to one of the 19 private dance and drama school you could get help with your fees and living costs.
When you apply to the school tell them you will be applying for DaDA funding, to be eligible for the funding you will need to be over 16 and show talent and a likelihood you will succeed in the industry.
Have a look at the links provided for more information on the eligibility criteria or which schools offer DaDA.
This bursary is intended to help students pay for education-related costs, this includes:
equipment or uniform for college courses
lunch
a laptop
It is intended for students who are aged 16 to 19, however if you are older and in full-time education, the bursary is paid directly by your school, college or training provider and the best way to apply for it would be to speak directly to your school/college and they should be able to help you apply.
Entitlement to level 2 & level 3 fee remission
The Level 2 fee remission is for students aged 19 to 23 (on the course start date) who are undertaking a Level 2 course who do not already have a full Level 2 qualification.
A full Level 2 qualification would include 5 GCSEs A-C, NVQ 2, BTEC First Diploma. If you do not have any of these, you will meet the necessary requirements and will not be charged tuition fees.
The same applies for the Level 3 course, provided that you do not already have a full Level 3 qualification.
A full Level 3 course would include 2 or more A-Levels, GNVQ Advanced, BTEC National Diploma, Access to Higher Education, NVQ Level 3 or a vocationally related or other general qualifications at Level 3.
City & Guilds offer a small amount of bursaries to people who would like to study City & Guilds/ILM qualifications but cannot due to financial reasons. You can use your bursary for a wide range of things:
Paying for your course and/or your exam fees
Covering living costs if you are unable to work whilst you are completing your course
Covering child care or travel expenses
Covering other costs that are making it difficult for you to enrol on a course
City & Guilds will not make any retrospective payments such as; payments for a career development, or any deferred loans you may have taken out with college or your bank.
If you are aged 19 and on a higher education course and facing financial hardship, you can apply to get Discretionary Learner Support (DLS). You apply direct to your college or other learning provider that you may be using and they will decide how much they will give you, based on your circumstances.
The money could pay for:
accommodation and travel
course materials and handouts
child care (you must be over 20 to apply for help with child care)
If you already claiming one of the below payments, you can still apply for DLS:
professional and career development loans
Care to Learn
Disability Living Allowance
How will the money get paid to me?:
A direct payment to you, which you won't have to pay back
A loan, which you will have to pay back
Paid to someone else, e.g. your landlord
You can't claim DLS if you are already receiving one of the below payments:
If your thinking about applying for course in medicine, dentistry or healthcare you could be eligible for a NHS Bursary. You bursary will give you help with your tuition fees and living costs.
If your applying for a social work course you can access the social work bursary. The bursary can be used to help with course fee and the cost of living, you won't have to pay it back and the amount you receive won't depend on your household income.
If you are thinking about applying to one of the 19 private dance and drama school you could get help with your fees and living costs.
When you apply to the school tell them you will be applying for DaDA funding, to be eligible for the funding you will need to be over 16 and show talent and a likelihood you will succeed in the industry.
Have a look at the links provided for more information on the eligibility criteria or which schools offer DaDA.
Thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
Vacancies will advertised in lots of different places, you might find out about them through college or school, they may be advertised locally or you can search for them online.
You can apply for an apprenticeship if you are:
aged 16 or over
eligible to work in England
not in full-time education
Work and Study
you will be working alongside experienced staff
you will gain a lot of job specific knowledge and skills
you will earn a wage
you will be studying towards a related qualification and will spend 20% off the job doing training
Hampshire County Council is recruiting apprentices to work in teams across the County Council in roles such as mechanics, rangers, teaching assistants, museums, customer service's, business administration and in our laboratories. Hampshire Futures offers a direct delivery training programme in some of these areas.
Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the County Council, be willing to learn and committed to undertaking a full apprenticeship programme.
The programme supports young people working towards a professional and rewarding career, delivers hands-on training and supported learning to help young people develop skills for the job, as well as the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification alongside English and Maths support if required.
Successful completion of the programme could result in being offered a permanent position within the County Council and opportunities for future professional development.
Vacancies will advertised in lots of different places, you might find out about them through college or school, they may be advertised locally or you can search for them online.
You can apply for an apprenticeship if you are:
aged 16 or over
eligible to work in England
not in full-time education
Work and Study
you will be working alongside experienced staff
you will gain a lot of job specific knowledge and skills
you will earn a wage
you will be studying towards a related qualification and will spend 20% off the job doing training
Hampshire County Council is recruiting apprentices to work in teams across the County Council in roles such as mechanics, rangers, teaching assistants, museums, customer service's, business administration and in our laboratories. Hampshire Futures offers a direct delivery training programme in some of these areas.
Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the County Council, be willing to learn and committed to undertaking a full apprenticeship programme.
The programme supports young people working towards a professional and rewarding career, delivers hands-on training and supported learning to help young people develop skills for the job, as well as the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification alongside English and Maths support if required.
Successful completion of the programme could result in being offered a permanent position within the County Council and opportunities for future professional development.
After you finish school you can spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, alongside part-time education or training as an alternative to college. Below we have some ideas of places they might like to volunteer.
The Royal Voluntary Service offer a range of different volunteer roles suitable for students and young adults. They have roles available within the local community where you can meet people from your local area and support individuals with tasks in their day-to-day lives. They also have volunteer roles based in hospitals and health centres, where you help keep services available to both staff and the public.
The Youth Advisors get involved in specific projects across the Young Minds to offer their knowledge and insight. They work alongside the charity to champion youth voice.
Young Mind Activists are volunteers aged 14 to 25 who are passionate about mental health or have experienced challenges related to mental health in their lives. They campaign to create positive change, and help shape and influence the work Young Minds do.
Get volunteering tips from experts and young people sharing their stories.
For more information on volunteering please go to our volunteering page.
After you finish school you can spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, alongside part-time education or training as an alternative to college. Below we have some ideas of places they might like to volunteer.
The Royal Voluntary Service offer a range of different volunteer roles suitable for students and young adults. They have roles available within the local community where you can meet people from your local area and support individuals with tasks in their day-to-day lives. They also have volunteer roles based in hospitals and health centres, where you help keep services available to both staff and the public.
The Youth Advisors get involved in specific projects across the Young Minds to offer their knowledge and insight. They work alongside the charity to champion youth voice.
Young Mind Activists are volunteers aged 14 to 25 who are passionate about mental health or have experienced challenges related to mental health in their lives. They campaign to create positive change, and help shape and influence the work Young Minds do.
Are you aged 13-30 and looking to make a change in your life? If you're unemployed or struggling at school, The King's Trust can help you in a number of ways, including free training courses, brand new experiences, support, mentoring and finance.
Have you ever considered a job in horse racing? Being top Jockey, leading in the winner or training a horse to win are some of the things you could be doing if you choose racing as a career path.
The British Racing School offers a free residential course to young people aged between 16 and 22. At the end of the course you will be guaranteed a full-time job in the horse racing industry. The course is open to complete beginners so don't worry if you cannot ride, tuition will be given on the course.
Apprenticeship courses at the British Racing School fill up really quickly, so if your interested, get your application in quick.
The Shaw Trust is all about helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their goals, whether that’s getting into work, education, or building confidence for the future. They run a number of projects including:
The Change Project helps young people aged 16-24 who are not in work, education or training, providing a holistic approach to develop interpersonal skills. Helping them to gain knowledge, experience, and qualifications that will enable them to move into sustained employment, education, or training.
If you need support to secure your first job or an apprenticeship – Jump into Work can help kickstart your career!
The course will improve your employability skills and provide valuable work experience in a sector of interest. You will also improve your English and maths skills, working towards Functional Skills qualifications if needed.
A dedicated Work Coach will support you in finding a work placement with a local or national employer, matching your skills with a suitable employer in your area.
Safe New Futures offers a free, gentle, and structured 6‑month programme designed to help young people rebuild confidence, overcome personal barriers, and take positive next steps towards education, work or training.
This programme is suitable for young people who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their future. Many participants struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social barriers — and we’re here to help them move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
How the Programme Helps
A combination of group CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with practical vocational skills, give young people both emotional tools and real‑world skills to help them progress.
Your young person will learn how to:
Build confidence and self-belief
Manage anxiety and low mood
Set achievable goals
Explore education, training, or work pathways
Develop practical skills for their future
Programme at a Glance
Duration: 6 months
Who it’s for: Young people aged 16+ who are NEET, unemployed, or at risk, including those with SEN
Cost: Completely free — all materials and tech support included
How it works:
A 10‑day online course
Followed by 12 weekly workshops
Plus one‑to‑one mentoring and personalised support
Are you aged 13-30 and looking to make a change in your life? If you're unemployed or struggling at school, The King's Trust can help you in a number of ways, including free training courses, brand new experiences, support, mentoring and finance.
Have you ever considered a job in horse racing? Being top Jockey, leading in the winner or training a horse to win are some of the things you could be doing if you choose racing as a career path.
The British Racing School offers a free residential course to young people aged between 16 and 22. At the end of the course you will be guaranteed a full-time job in the horse racing industry. The course is open to complete beginners so don't worry if you cannot ride, tuition will be given on the course.
Apprenticeship courses at the British Racing School fill up really quickly, so if your interested, get your application in quick.
The Shaw Trust is all about helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their goals, whether that’s getting into work, education, or building confidence for the future. They run a number of projects including:
The Change Project helps young people aged 16-24 who are not in work, education or training, providing a holistic approach to develop interpersonal skills. Helping them to gain knowledge, experience, and qualifications that will enable them to move into sustained employment, education, or training.
If you need support to secure your first job or an apprenticeship – Jump into Work can help kickstart your career!
The course will improve your employability skills and provide valuable work experience in a sector of interest. You will also improve your English and maths skills, working towards Functional Skills qualifications if needed.
A dedicated Work Coach will support you in finding a work placement with a local or national employer, matching your skills with a suitable employer in your area.
Safe New Futures offers a free, gentle, and structured 6‑month programme designed to help young people rebuild confidence, overcome personal barriers, and take positive next steps towards education, work or training.
This programme is suitable for young people who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their future. Many participants struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social barriers — and we’re here to help them move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
How the Programme Helps
A combination of group CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with practical vocational skills, give young people both emotional tools and real‑world skills to help them progress.
Your young person will learn how to:
Build confidence and self-belief
Manage anxiety and low mood
Set achievable goals
Explore education, training, or work pathways
Develop practical skills for their future
Programme at a Glance
Duration: 6 months
Who it’s for: Young people aged 16+ who are NEET, unemployed, or at risk, including those with SEN
Cost: Completely free — all materials and tech support included
How it works:
A 10‑day online course
Followed by 12 weekly workshops
Plus one‑to‑one mentoring and personalised support
You are allowed to work part-time alongside study or training when you leave school. This can allow you to earn money, whilst continuing to work towards qualifications.
Getting help once you reach 18
When you reach 18, your local Jobcentre can help you find a job or gain new skills.
Applying for a job
There are some organisations which help with filling in application forms and writing CV's. For example:
You are allowed to work part-time alongside study or training when you leave school. This can allow you to earn money, whilst continuing to work towards qualifications.
Getting help once you reach 18
When you reach 18, your local Jobcentre can help you find a job or gain new skills.
Applying for a job
There are some organisations which help with filling in application forms and writing CV's. For example:
