GCSE Results - What Next?
After GCSE results, both you and your young person are likely to be thinking about the next stage of their journey. You may also be thinking about options if they don't get the GCSE results they are hoping for. We have put together this information to help and hope you find it useful.
Most local post-16 providers/colleges will accept young people who haven't achieved a pass (grade 4) in their GCSEs, although for Maths and English, resitting is compulsory if a pass isn't achieved, and the young person will need to continue studying these subjects until they either pass or turn 18. If a young person achieves a pass in Maths and English, there is no requirement to re-sit, but they can if they would like a higher mark.
Functional Skills
Some young people will continue or choose to follow a Functional Skills programme.
Functional Skills are qualifications that have been developed by the UK Government as part of an initiative to improve literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. Functional Skills qualifications are available at Levels 1 and 2, and entry levels 1, 2 and 3. Each qualification is separate and is assessed independently.
The September Guarantee
The September Guarantee is a guarantee of an offer, made by the end of September, of an appropriate place in post-16 education or training for every young person completing compulsory education.
The September Guarantee is an offer of a place in one of the following:
- a school sixth form
- a college of further education
- employment with training to at least level 2
- an apprenticeship
Ensuring that every young person has an offer of a place to progress onto is particularly important as it helps young people make a seamless transition into post-16 learning or employment with training.
The September Guarantee is supported by good quality information, advice and guidance. This can come from a number of sources which include:
- teachers
- parents and family friends
- Careers Coordinators and Guidance Advisers
- on-line and printed information about courses, progression routes and employment routes
Further information and support
Southend Connexions is a leading provider of careers, information advice and guidance for young people in Essex, including Southend.
Their personal advisers can offer one to one information, advice and guidance with:
- CV writing
- covering letters
- vacancy information
- finding the right courses
- interview techniques
- offering a range of educational providers, colleges and training providers
- traineeships
- looking for Apprenticeships
- Higher Education
- personal statement writing
For an appointment, call 01702 534300 or email connexions@southend.gov.uk.
You can also read the statutory guidance relating to the participation of young people in education, employment and training.