Who can help?
Schools welcome the support that parents and carers provide and should involve you in the decision-making process.
- Schools usually give out printed information about options in Year 9, put information on the school website and in most cases, have an information evening to give more details.
- You can ask individual subject teachers and form tutors for help as they know your teenager well and how they are getting on in different subjects.
- Your teenager's school will have a careers co-ordinator who can give advice on choosing courses and how these fit in with future education, training and career options. Your teenager also has careers education lessons that cover the courses and qualifications available. They learn about the value of work experience and how to look ahead to further education, training and careers.
Connexions personal advisers
Connexions personal advisers offer information, advice and guidance on courses, training opportunities and careers and can help your teenager make decisions. They recognise the part you play in supporting your teenager and you can arrange to see the Connexions personal adviser in school or at your local Connexions centre.
Connexions Direct
This is a service for 13-19 year olds that offers quick access to information and advice, either through the website or through contact with a Connexions Direct adviser. The service can also be accessed by parents/carers.
Connexions Direct takes calls from 8am to 2am, seven days a week. Call them on 080 800 13 2 19, text on 07766 413 219, or talk to an adviser online or e-mail from the website at www.connexions-direct.com.
Volunteers and learning mentors
Many schools have volunteers and learning mentors who can help your teenager overcome any issues that are getting in the way of their learning. You could ask whether your teenager's school has a mentoring scheme.
Learning Support Units
Some schools also have Learning Support Units, where students can get additional support if they are not performing well in mainstream classes. Ask your teenager's school for details.
Tool kit
Jake's story
Jake wanted to study a more practical course alongside his GCSE subjects in Years 10 and 11...
Hot tip
For further information on how Connexions can help, see the Teenage concerns section.
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"Connexions personal advisers offer information, advice and guidance on courses, training opportunities and careers and can help your teenager make decisions."
