11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi All

My DS is currently in Year 12 studying AS Levels. He has had a couple of speakers visiting his grammar school to talk about Uni and (at the moment) is saying that he does not want to go to Uni. I don't think that the careers advice at his school has been particularly good and the school seems to be of the opinion that Uni is the only way forward?? I know some of you will be saying that it depends what my son wants to do for his future career etc, but I'd be very interested in stories of anyones DC's who chose other options after Year 13, other than Uni. I think this is a good thread to set up, which would be of interest to many. Look forward to hearing your views/stories.

The DS of a friend of mine didn't want to go to uni after A levels, he joined an accountancy firm and started training with them. He still went to college one day a week and had exams to do to get further qualifications, but he was working and loved it.

you beat me to it - certainly Accountancy firms and some consultancy ones are looking to 18 yr olds rather than graduates as they have more scope to train in the direction that is required. Plus 18 yr olds are cheaper
For this I would go with one of the 'big' ones like PWC/KPMG etc as they have established training programmes

I'm also thinking some companies may take on 18 year olds as apprentices. My company only take on at 16, so I'm not sure what others do.

DD of colleague at work landed a graduate trainee place with Logica after A levels last year.

£13k a year salary, one day a week 8-8 at Winchester uni with 20 hours a week self study and no long holidays, no fees. So in three years a graduate with no debt and three years work experience and a job. Sounds to good to be true. Competition was tough but personality and client skills seemed more important than AAA grades. She had lots of Saturday shop work experience as a supervisor.

Wish my DS1 would show some interest!

Neighbour's DD tried to get on BA pilot scheme after A levels got through to final stages but in the end youngest successful candidate was aged 26...........

know of a couple from local GS who did not go to Uni after A levels - one joined forces and one paying for commercial flight training

My dd1 loves the idea of the modern apprenticeships, but so far we haven't seen anything that in practice interests her (arty rather than sciencey). I'd be very happy to support her in such an endeavour - think you have to be more sure these days that a degree is worth it.

I know of a couple who have gone into the RAF, and one who joined the police.

Y13 DC is not going to Uni and has no 'career' plans for next year either.
I'm not worried though and have asked her to focus on the here and now and get the best A level grades she can this summer. I think maybe a 'gap' year (I'm sure she'll do something constructive) is needed when they are so unsure. She can always apply to uni next autumn if she changes her mind.

I told her it's not a race and she says doesn't want to make an expensive mistake by going to university just because that's what 99% of her year group at grammar do!

very wise