When can my daughter or son leave school?

The official school leaving date is the last Friday of June of the school year in which they turn 16.

Year 11 students must be in some form of learning until they are 18 years old.

This doesn't mean they have to stay on at their school or go to a college; they can choose from the following:

• Full-time study in a school, college or with a training provider.

• Full-time work (including working in a family business) or volunteering combined with part-time education/training.

• An apprenticeship.

For more information go to the government website. (link - https://www.gov.uk/know-when-you-can-leave-school)

How can I support my daughter or son with their choices?

There are sections on this website that focus on key questions and answers and you will also find additionally, The Careers Writers Association has developed a website aimed at parents and carers that you may find helpful. (link - https://www.parentalguidance.org.uk/)

This website may also be useful - Careers Advice For Parents (link -https://www.careeralchemy.co.uk/)

 Career Advice for Parents

As a parent or carer, you are likely to be the single biggest influence on your child’s thoughts and feelings about their future career. You are reading this because you care deeply about them having a happy and productive life. It is really important that you are aware of the influence you have and that you try your best to make this positive, supportive and empowering.

A good parent helps their teen the most when they:

• have a good general understanding of the options available

• listen carefully to their child’s views without being judgmental or critical

• are open to new ideas and possibilities

• encourage them to explore all their options

How can I help my child with their career plans?

These are some possible ways to consider:

• Talk to them from time to time about possible careers they might be interested in and why they appeal. Don’t make a big deal out of it. There will be plenty of opportunities for such an exchange of ideas that crop up naturally while you are doing something else. This way it won’t seem forced

• Encourage them to take an interest in the occupations or past careers of grown up family members and other adults who they come into contact with so they can learn about different career experiences and develop their own network.

• Ask them about their taster sessions in sixth form

• Help them to explore the possible employers, apprenticeship providers and further education courses available in your local area. (go to open events with them)

• Encourage them to participate in out of school activities. These are valuable in themselves and will help greatly later on in giving a good impression to people like employers or course tutors.

 Finally, remember that career choice is a personal decision.