Support for youngsters taking next steps after exams
Help is at hand for young people considering their next steps after receiving GCSE, AS and A-Level exam results this month.
Oxfordshire County Council is giving advice and support for 16 to 19-year-olds about staying in learning, finding a job or starting an apprenticeship.
Throughout the results period and beyond, staff will be available via the web chat service on the Oxme website to talk to young people and parents about the wide range of learning and employment opportunities available in Oxfordshire, and to help with applications.
Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Hilary Hibbert-Biles said: “For anyone unsure of their next steps, it’s important to remember there are plenty of opportunities out there and the professional help you need to figure out what to do. You should speak to your school, local college or get in touch with the council for help and advice.”
Drop-ins and more
Look out for drop-in sessions at your local Further Education Colleges (check their websites) or at Oxfordshire’s Children and Family Centres in the coming weeks.
Sessions for young people aged 16-19 (up to 24 for those with Special Educational Needs) who are not in Education, Employment or training, or not sure of their next steps, take place on the following days and times:
Where |
When |
Banbury Children & Family Centre Hilton Road Banbury OX16 0EF |
Thursdays 12-2pm |
Bicester Children & Family Centre Launton Road Bicester OX26 6DJ |
Wednesdays 1-3pm |
Witney Children & Family Centre Witan Way Witney OX28 4YA |
Tuesdays 1-2pm |
Barton Children & Family CentreWayneflete Road Oxford OX3 8DD |
Tuesdays 12-3pm |
Blackbird Leys Children & Family Centre 61/63 Cuddesdon Way Oxford OX4 6SB |
Thursdays 1-3.15pm
|
Rose Hill Children & Family Centre The Oval Oxford OX4 4UY |
Thursdays 10am-4pm |
Abingdon Children & Family Centre Stratton Way OX14 3RG |
Tuesdays 1-3pm |
Didcot Children & Family Centre Park Road Didcot OX11 8QX |
Wednesdays 1-3pm |
All of this information and more can be accessed via a dedicated page on the Oxme website www.oxme.info/resultsday .
Guaranteed places
National legislation now requires all young people to stay in some form of learning or training until at least their 18th birthday. That means places are guaranteed for all young people finishing their GCSEs this month.
While the vast majority will choose to stay on at school or further education colleges, there is also a wide range of workplace training schemes and apprenticeships available within Oxfordshire.
Cllr Hibbert-Biles added: “If you haven’t got the GCSE grades you were hoping for, or haven’t worked out what to do next, you can rest assured there are places in learning guaranteed in September.
“Likewise, for anyone not going down the university route after A-Levels or undecided on their next steps, gaining further qualifications by doing a traineeship or an apprenticeship might just be for you.”
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young people to earn money, learn and gain qualifications. There are hundreds of local places available across many different areas, suitable for all levels - from school leavers to degree level courses.
More information about apprenticeships and traineeships including current vacancies is available at www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk