Many young people have little understanding of further and higher education establishments, especially if their families have little history of post-16 and post-18 education. Likewise, for some the idea of undertaking an apprenticeship might not align with family expectations or experiences. Applying for education opportunities can therefore seem daunting for many young people and they can fail to understand the advantages that different routes can bring.

All pupils should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. This includes academic and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace. Ensuring that pupil have these learning experiences needs to be well managed and can be very resource intensive, particularly if there are few local education providers⁸.

• Who has responsibility for managing and co-ordinating encounters with further and higher education providers?
• How does your school ensure that all pupils receive opportunities to visit a range of learning providers including sixth forms, colleges and universities?
• How does your school ensure that all pupils receive information and opportunities to learn about apprenticeships and work-related learning providers?

Students at Selby High School have a variety of experiences of further and higher education providers from Year 8 onwards. The school has links with York and Hull Universities and in some cases the universities visit the school and run workshops. Tasters days are provided at further education colleges in Selby and Pontefract for Year 10 students and the colleges are encouraged to provide Year 11 assemblies and attend parents’ evenings and careers fairs. Representation from further education providers is encouraged on Year 11 results day in addition to the support provided by the independent careers adviser

Resources for school leaders and teachers:

• Raising aspirations: The National Networks for Collaborative Outreach scheme aims to encourage more pupils into further and higher education. It brings together universities and further education colleges into local networks to provide coordinated outreach to schools and colleges.
• The National Apprenticeship Service have produced a guide on apprenticeships

Resources for school leaders and teachers: