Oxford,
16
August
2017
|
11:29
Europe/London

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