Information and advice for young people finishing school
Find out about the options you have when you finish school and where to get help with your finances.
Advice on what to do when you finish school
In your final year of secondary education, you'll need to make some decisions about what you want to do next.
Talk through your options with the people around you
Talk to your teachers about the subjects and careers you're interested in and get their opinion.
You can also get support from your school careers adviser.
Start planning
Colleges ask for applications to be submitted in the December before you finish secondary school.
Contact the Youth Employability Service
If you're reaching the end of your time at school or have already left but are still unsure of your next steps, contact the Youth Employability Service for help.
What you can do next
You can leave school on the last Friday of June if you’ll be 16 years old by the end of the summer holidays.
You must then do one of the following until you are 18 years old:
- stay in full time education, for example, at a college or sixth form
- start an apprenticeship or traineeship
- spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, whilst in part time education
Sixth Form or college courses
Colleges and Sixth Forms offer courses in a range of subjects and at different levels.
A course could be the right choice if you:
- enjoy learning
- have a career in mind that requires certain qualifications
- have the grades you need to get into the course you’d like to do
- have subjects that you particularly enjoy, or are good at
Find a local sixth form or college - [link to colleges facet of the directory]
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a way of learning and working at the same time, so you gain a qualification and experience in the career that you are interested in. You will need to search and apply for vacancies and have an interview.
An apprenticeship might be the right choice if you:
- prefer a practical, hands on style of learning
- are reliable, punctual and can follow instructions
- know what career you would like to pursue
- have found vacancies available in the area you are interested in
Jobs
When you turn 16, you'll receive your National Insurance number. Keep it safe because you will need it if you start a job.
When you leave school, you can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week and you must also be in part time learning or training.
A job could be the right choice if you:
- have got a CV you can use to apply for vacancies
- have the experience and qualifications you need to get a job
- know where to search and apply for vacancies
- are punctual, reliable and can follow instructions
- have already arranged part time learning or training
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and skills whilst also supporting your community. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer in and around Brighton & Hove.
When you leave school, you can volunteer for a maximum of 20 hours per week and you must also be in part time learning or training.
Volunteering could be a great choice for you if you:
- want to give your time to a good cause
- think volunteering will help you gain the skills you need for your future career
- know what kind of opportunities are available in Brighton & Hove
- know how you will cover your expenses
Search for volunteer opportunities on the Youth Employment Hub directory.
Get help with your finances
Many short course, personal development, training and volunteering opportunities offer to cover expenses. Check with the provider or organisation you're applying to about what you can get.
If you're under 18 years old and in education, or have recently left or finished education, find out if your parent or guardian can get Child Benefit.
If you're a parent under the age of 20 and studying a publicly funded course, find out how to get help with childcare costs from Care To Learn.
If you decide not to continue in education or training, you could get paid through a job or apprenticeship.
Check the current National Minimum Wage rates for school leavers and apprentices.