A-levels are the most widely known option for students after they have finished their GCSEs, such that many students feel that it is the only pathway they can follow to become successful in whichever field they plan to go into. Otherwise, students feel uncertain even about which career is right for them, as they have not had any opportunity to explore what they are good at in real world scenarios.
Supposedly, A-levels are the first foray you will make into the world of work and responsibility, meant to teach vital skills as well as an advanced level of subject knowledge. But how does this hold up against scrutiny?
A study conducted by Which? University showed that almost 30% of university applicants regret their A-Levels. Deeming that they chose their A-Level subjects without a comprehensive understanding of the pathways their choices would leave open to them.
The fact is that the curriculum leaves a lot to be desired; many A-Levels still lack any requirement for their students to partake in any kind of practical work which might give them a better understanding of what they are signing up to for, realistically, the rest of their working lives.
With such a lack of legislation, it is undoubtably true that not all students will feel that A-Levels are right for them. Especially as not all students will be provided with the same opportunities and resources. But that is not to say that the hands-on yet academically motivated path that many seek cannot be fulfilled by A-Levels.
Private schools and schools with higher government funding have consistently showed higher attainment of A/A*s. In fact, Ofqual’s analysis of 2021 summer results showed that students from private schools were 20.3% more likely to achieve at least one A* at A-Level.
Undoubtably, this can be attributed to their students having access to innovative facilities and a low student-teacher ratios. These factors allow for a curious student to embrace their questioning nature and develop a dynamic mindset and aptitude for problem solving. But what about those of us who cannot afford this kind of exclusive education?
Of course, A-Levels are still worth considering, as there are public schools which offer a high-quality education. However, these schools are few and far between, as well as being habitually oversubscribed, leaving uncertainty in the minds of applicants. These are just a handful of reasons out of a myriad that will vary from person to person, depending on their academic ability, interests, plan for the future, or lack thereof.
Choosing your post-16 education is a more serious matter than many students, exhausted from a ruthless regimen of GCSE revision, are prepared for, it varies for each person and requires research so that a well-informed decision can be made. Many students do not understand or even know about some of the options open to them, from T-Levels to Apprenticeships.
Introduced in September 2020, T-Levels are equivalent to three A-Levels and have a focus on vocational training unlike the comparatively general A-Levels.
They provide an introduction into specific industries, including placements to acclimatise participants to a typical working environment, and are tailored to students who are sure about their professional goals.
The National Careers Service describes apprenticeships as a combination of “practical on-the-job skills training with off-the-job learning.”
For many, the main appeal of an apprenticeship is the salary that students can receive as they study, allowing them to quickly develop skills such as monetary management and self-dependence earlier than they would be able to otherwise.
An individual’s choice of what their steps will be after they finish their GCSEs is specific to them, everyone has different requirements to make the most out of their education. While some students will thrive in the classroom, others feel as though they will wither away due to the oppressive nature of it. It is important to regard your options rationally and consider your own perspective and aspirations. Once you have all of the information, there is no one who knows your mind better than you and no one better qualified to make your decision.
