Education and career guide for students answers ‘What's Next?’

The 'What's Next?' booklet encourages all Gloucestershire students in Years 9-13 to think about their next steps in education and beyond.

The helpful guide provides information and advice on what will come next, from choosing GCSE options, to post-16 study, the world of work, and preparing themselves for adulthood.

The booklet, which is in its fifth year of publication, encourages students to think about what subjects they enjoy, what they're good at and what they might want to do after school. Designed with the help of students themselves, it takes young people through the choices they have and suggests lots of resources where they can explore these options for themselves.

Students have to stay in a form of education or training until their 18th birthday, but this doesn't have to be at school. The 'What's Next?' booklet outlines all the options available, including apprenticeships, traineeships or part-time training whilst working, and shows there is more than one route to success.

Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said:

"We've all been faced by important choices about our futures and having the right information is vital. 'What's Next?' outlines lots of possibilities, as well as how to find out more. There's support and help out there, so I'd encourage students to read through and see what sparks their interest."

The booklet aims to help develop the skills of young people in Gloucestershire, to strengthen the local economy and retain talent in the county. It will be sent to electronically to schools, libraries and youth support services.