UCAS Application Season: Is university the only option?

As the UK enters UCAS application season, students at Sixth Form and even GCSE level will be questioning what path they want to take after school. These range from university, apprenticeships to internships and entering the world of work. In light of this, leading EdTech platform MyTutor has unveiled research that has been examining the nation’s attitudes towards further education.

The landmark research shows that 43% of parents agree that their child’s self-esteem is linked to the grades they achieve at school and university. However, university is not the only route that will lead teens onto a successful career in the future. MyTutor also found that nearly two thirds – 62% – of parents say university is not the only path they are recommending to their child after their school career, as it is not essential for them to get a good job.

Below MyTutor has offered a breakdown some of the alternative options available but also encourages fluid discussions with children on how they are feeling, and what their gut is telling them is the right path for them next.

What to do if your child doesn’t want to go to university?
University is becoming less of an appealing option to many young people. It’s important to be aware of all other options that are available to make sure your child is as educated as they can be when deciding on their future. Your child may decide they want to take a year out and travel, complete an apprenticeship or go straight into work. There are multiple paths to take after secondary school/college which can all lead to success. MyTutor finds it important to note that university is not the only path to success. If you child decides university is not for them, it can open the door to so many other opportunities that can be just as rewarding.

How far can your child go with just A Levels
Some children do not flourish in academia, so how far can they go with just A Level qualifications? The answer is – very far! Internships and apprenticeships are both available straight out of school and incorporate much more hands on type of learning which can be very beneficial to those who do not do well in classroom envrionments. Apprenticeships are longer term and are often guaranteed to give a permanent job at the end, whereas internships are usually shorter and can provide young people with a taster of the chosen field, perfect for those who are unsure. If your child really does not know what they want to do, they may find they want to take a gap year and travel for a bit to work out what they really want from their future.

How to be the parent of a budding entrepreneur
Many children have seen their parents and people close to them lose their jobs as the pandemic took hold. As 800,000 new businesses have been started over the pandemic, young people may want to become their own boss. If you’re the parent of a budding entrepreneur you can make your child aware of all of the resources available to them to give them the best chance of success. MyTutor offers tutoring in business studies and accounting which can help prepare and advise teens on how best to run a business. In addition to this, there are countless podcasts, books and events that are aimed at young entrepreneurs.

Key Statistics:
62% of parents agree that university is not the only path they are recommending to their child after their school career, as it is not essential for them to get a good job
43% of parents agree their child’s self-esteem is linked to the grades they achieved at school and university
26% of parents agree that their child feels that their long-term university and career prospects have been damaged by COVID-19
Bertie Hubbard, co-founder of MyTutor, comments on the pastoral care the platform can provide:

“Teens are in more need than ever for some support and reassurance with their studies, and that’s exactly what our tutors offer. Our tutors are all from UK universities, and because they’re just a few years older they can easily relate to what teens are going through. With their dedicated one-to-one support, teens get some much-needed reassurance and come out with a stronger self-belief – 88% say that lessons made them feel more confident.

Rather than replacing teachers with robots, the biggest power of EdTech lies in enhancing person-to-person learning. At MyTutor, we provide online tuition that raises kids’ grades, boosts confidence and helps them fulfil their potential in life. Because it’s online, kids get access to amazing tutors from across the country, rather than whoever’s nearby. As there’s no travel for the student or the tutors, it also saves time and money travelling – reducing the cost and stress involved for parents.”