Results Day approaches – so what happens next?

By: Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader

Monday 11 August 2014

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A Level results day – the countdown is on and nerves are running high. In just a few days, thousands of young people across the country will be either celebrating or commiserating as they open that all-important envelope. Eyes awash with tears of relief, of joy, of disappointment. But what happens if the results that they’re clutching aren’t quite what they’re expecting? What next?

A recent piece of research conducted by Which? University revealed that more than half of students in England and Wales have no back-up plan if they fail to get the grades they need to get to their university of choice. What’s more, almost three-quarters of applicants (70%) have not researched the clearing process for unfilled degree places (as reported by the BBC).

So what are the options for these learners? Is there life beyond not getting into university? Well, Nick Davy, Higher Education Policy Manager at the Association of Colleges, has commented that there are a multitude of possibilities open to these young people including “full or part-time higher education offered by colleges, which is often cheaper, and a range of professional certificates and diplomas such as marketing and accountancy. There's also the option of an apprenticeship or higher apprenticeship in a range of occupations.”

At NCFE, we couldn’t agree more. Whilst university is the perfect route for many learners, other flourish more in an alternative credible training environment. Learners also need to think about the debt that they will accrue through going to university and consider their employment prospects at the end of their course.

What do you think? Is university the be-all and end-all? How can we increase the visibility of Apprenticeships in careers guidance for young people?

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Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

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Colleges

Training Providers

Employers

Learners

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