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There's a huge range of courses and providers out there.

Finding your way though the maze of prospectuses can be difficult.

We can't give you advice on what's best for your child because everyone is different.

Looking at all the options can be off-putting.

So try starting with an overview of what's available for young people:

  • www.direct.gov.uk

    Official government site covering education and learning.

  • www.connexions-direct.com

    Connexions is a public service for 13-19 year olds providing advice on getting to where you want to be in life.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority develops the curriculum in England and regulates the examination system through several awarding bodies. Some are specific to regions of the UK. Details for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland can be found at the following websites:

The links above will give you a quick overview of the main qualifications that are currently available in the UK.

There is not enough information about educational routes available for children

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Questions to ask:

To help you narrow down the choices to the course that suits your son or daughter best, we've put together these questions.

The answers should guide you towards the right options.

Ask the course provider:

  • Is it full- or part-time?
  • Can you start it at any time of year?
  • Can students get a grant?
  • What qualification do students get at the end?
  • Can we talk to a student who is doing the course now?
  • What percentage of people finish?
  • What do people do after they have finished the course?

Ask your child:

  • How much do you know about the course?
  • Does it match up with your interests and abilities?
  • Do you know any one who has worked there/been on that course?
  • What would you like to do at the end of the course?
  • If you don't get your first choice of course have you got another option?

Ask about apprenticeships:

  • How much of the week will be at college and how much at work?
  • Does my child have to find a work placement or will the college / training provider do that?
  • How much will they get paid?
  • Has the employer had apprentices before?
  • What happened to them when they finished the apprenticeship?
  • What qualifications will my daughter or son end up with?
  • Can the apprenticeship lead to higher qualifications?

Ask about prospects:

  • Does the course lead to a nationally recognised qualification?
  • Will it help him or her get a job?
  • Will my son or daughter need to go on to do a further qualification?
  • After the course, what did most people do next?

Have you got a question that might be useful for other parents to ask?

We won't answer it here, but we'll add it to this list.

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