FINISHED SCHOOL? - WHAT NEXT?

The official school leaving date is the last Friday in June, in the school year in which you reach 16. After this date it is your choice whether you continue in education, take up a training placement, or look for a job. (Before this date it is illegal to work full time).

Not many people under 18 are entitled to claim benefits, but see benefits section for more information, especially if you are unemployed and age 16/17. Your parents may still be able to claim for you. See here.

You don't need to know what you want to do with the rest of your life, but you'll still need to make some decisions about what you do next, and you should start getting help well in advance. While in school you can ask to see a Connexions Personal Adviser for help and advice. Left already? See where to go for help.

Connexions

Connexions has Personal Advisers working in many different places and can give help and support to young people aged 13–19 (or up to 25 if you have a special need or learning difficulty). If you have left school and want help with jobs, education or training, ask to see a Personal Adviser at Castlegate or look out for the Connexions logo at a centre near you.

If you need more specialist help because things are difficult for you at the moment, there are Intensive Personal Advisers, who can give you extra support with particular issues, as well as with education, employment and training.