Once your child has completed their GCSEs, the time to decide what they would like to do afterwards nears. What your child decides to do after secondary school can be exciting but nerve wracking as well. We are at that stage now as our eldest has just finished his exams and we are waiting on his results.

There are so many options available and understanding the pros and cons of different choices can be difficult. It can be a stressful time as this decision will play a big part in where your child will go and what they can achieve in the future. It is important to consider what they would like to study. What their goals are in life and what career path they have in mind. Shared by a top UK secondary school, here is some advice on if college is the right choice for your child.

College Benefits

Lots of choice

The great thing about college is that they have a huge range of academic and vocational courses that your child can study. So the fear of not having much to choose from disappears quite quickly.

Facilities For That Age Group

College is usually focused on an age range of 16 to 19. So all facilities are aimed and focused on that age group.

Specialist Teachers

Teachers and lecturers are trained and specialised in their subjects. This means that your child will be receiving in depth and quality learning.

Colleges are larger and less personal compared to sixth forms. Which is why it is ideal for students who can discipline their learning life and manage deadlines and their studies. Students who are able to do this will gain the skills required when they go to university or start work after studying. It is important to question whether your teen will do well with new teachers as colleges will require your child to make new friends and relationships with teachers.

Speak to your child about their aims and aspirations and what they would like to do further on in life. If it seems that the college aligns with their goals and can offer what they need to get there, this could be the right choice for them.