Your education

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

For a more comprehensive article on why school is important visit The University of the People's website.

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

For a more comprehensive article on why school is important visit The University of the People's website.

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)

It really is never too late!

Schools must provide independent careers advice from Year 7 to Year 13, covering all education, training and employment options. This support should be personalised, inclusive and help young people—including those with SEND—make informed choices about their future.

What this means for parents and carers

As a parent or carer, you can expect your child’s school to:

help your child explore a range of realistic and meaningful options
provide clear information about post‑16 pathways
support your child to make decisions that are right for them, at the right time

If you would like more information, you can ask your child’s school for details of their careers programme or speak to their careers leader or SEND team.

What Support Hampshire Futures Offer

Hampshire Futures online careers information provides free advice, information and resources to support young people as they begin to think about their future. This includes exploring options such as college, training, apprenticeships and employment, as well as building confidence and practical skills for adult life.

You can access these resources here: Hampshire Futures Careers Information Service

Young people can access online resources at their own pace, including activities and videos that help them understand their interests, strengths and possible pathways.

Hampshire Futures have also created an interactive guide for young people to help them choose what comes next after school.

The Southern Universities Network also has some helpful guides and videos to aid young people in making a decision about what they would like to study and what type of course might be right for them.

In addition to this Sense, Contact and Disability Rights UK all have helpful guides to post 16 options for young people with a disability.

Whoever you are and whatever you're interested in for a future career, there will be an option that is right for you.

Schools must provide independent careers advice from Year 7 to Year 13, covering all education, training and employment options. This support should be personalised, inclusive and help young people—including those with SEND—make informed choices about their future.

What this means for parents and carers

As a parent or carer, you can expect your child’s school to:

help your child explore a range of realistic and meaningful options
provide clear information about post‑16 pathways
support your child to make decisions that are right for them, at the right time

If you would like more information, you can ask your child’s school for details of their careers programme or speak to their careers leader or SEND team.

What Support Hampshire Futures Offer

Hampshire Futures online careers information provides free advice, information and resources to support young people as they begin to think about their future. This includes exploring options such as college, training, apprenticeships and employment, as well as building confidence and practical skills for adult life.

You can access these resources here: Hampshire Futures Careers Information Service

Young people can access online resources at their own pace, including activities and videos that help them understand their interests, strengths and possible pathways.

Hampshire Futures have also created an interactive guide for young people to help them choose what comes next after school.

The Southern Universities Network also has some helpful guides and videos to aid young people in making a decision about what they would like to study and what type of course might be right for them.

In addition to this Sense, Contact and Disability Rights UK all have helpful guides to post 16 options for young people with a disability.

Whoever you are and whatever you're interested in for a future career, there will be an option that is right for you.

16 to 19 Bursary Fund:

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 Bursary:

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.

Discretionary Learner Support:

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:

getting student finance for higher education
on a Learn Direct course
on an apprenticeship training scheme
on a work based learning course
on a Adult and community learning course

NHS Bursary

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.

Social Work Bursary:

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.

Dance and Drama Awards: Funding for Students:

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.

16 to 19 Bursary Fund:

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 Bursary:

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.

Discretionary Learner Support:

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:

getting student finance for higher education
on a Learn Direct course
on an apprenticeship training scheme
on a work based learning course
on a Adult and community learning course

NHS Bursary

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.

Social Work Bursary:

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.

Dance and Drama Awards: Funding for Students:

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

What will I get Paid?

National Minimum Wage for apprentices.

How to apply for an apprenticeship?

Find out more about apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at Hampshire County Council

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.

The apprenticeships last for a minimum of 12 months and the starting salary is competitive. All vacancies are advertised on the National Apprenticeship Website and on the Hampshire County Council's Recruitment Website.

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

What will I get Paid?

National Minimum Wage for apprentices.

How to apply for an apprenticeship?

Find out more about apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at Hampshire County Council

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.

The apprenticeships last for a minimum of 12 months and the starting salary is competitive. All vacancies are advertised on the National Apprenticeship Website and on the Hampshire County Council's Recruitment Website.

If you are pregnant or have a baby:

You have the right to stay in education
Schools and colleges should support you with things like:

flexible timetables
time off for appointments
support to return after your baby is born

What is Care to Learn?

Care to Learn is a government scheme that helps young parents stay in education by paying for childcare while they study.

What does it pay for?

The scheme can help with:

Childcare costs while you are at school, college or training
Travel costs for taking your child to and from childcare (if needed)
Childcare during work placements that are part of your course

In many cases, it can also cover:

childcare deposits or fees
keeping your childcare place during holidays

👉 Payments are usually made directly to your childcare provider, not to you.

Who can get it?

You may be able to get Care to Learn if:

You are a parent under 20 at the start of your course
You are the main carer for your child
You are studying on a publicly funded course in England

Why it matters

Care to Learn is designed to help young parents:

continue their education
afford childcare while studying
balance being a parent and a student

Without it, childcare costs can be a major barrier to staying in education.

👉 Find out more about Care to Learn