What's available

• Most students take GCSEs at key stage 4, often with one or two other qualifications.
• Schools generally offer a range of subjects, some of which may be new to students.
• GCSEs are useful whatever your teenager plans to do next. Having GCSEs at grades C and above in English, mathematics and science gives them a much bigger choice of opportunities in the future.
• GCSEs normally take two years to complete.
• Assessment is through a mix of written examinations and internal assessment (often called coursework).
• Double award GCSEs include a broader range of topics and are worth the equivalent of two full GCSEs. They usually take up more time on the timetable.
• Certain GCSEs, like citizenship studies, are available as 'short courses', which are worth half a GCSE. They usually take up less time on the timetable.

These are for teenagers who need a bit more time to build their confidence and gain basic qualifications. Their school will help them to create a learning programme with options that fit their needs and improve their chances of success in the future. All programmes include functional skills, personal and social development learning and subject learning. On completion of the programme, your teenager may be able to:

• take courses that help them to prepare for work and/or independent living
• study for GCSEs
• do a Foundation, Higher or Advanced Diploma
• apply for an Apprenticeship
• start work in a job with training.

This is a new qualification based around work that schools, colleges, universities and employers helped to develop. It gives students a fully-rounded education so that they can progress to higher level learning or employment with training. It does not qualify them to do a specific job.

Most students spend two days a week working towards the Diploma. For the rest of the time, they study the compulsory part of the curriculum and work towards GCSEs and other qualifications. With its mix of classroom learning, practical hands-on experience and project work, the Diploma suits teenagers of all abilities who enjoy learning in a practical way that relates to real life. It includes at least 10 days working with an employer and may also involve study at another school or a college.

At key stage 4, students can study for:

• the Foundation Diploma - this is a Level 1 qualification equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G.
• the Higher Diploma - this is a Level 2 qualification equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C.

Diplomas available in September 2010

• Business, Administration and Finance
• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative and Media
• Engineering
• Environmental and Land-based Studies
• Hair and Beauty Studies
• Hospitality
• Information Technology (IT)
• Manufacturing and Product Design
• Public Services
• Retail Business
• Society, Health and Development
• Sport and Active Leisure
• Travel and Tourism

Not all subjects are yet available in all areas. Check what is on offer in your area by looking at your local online 14-19 prospectus. You can find this through www.direct.gov.uk/14-19prospectus .

To find out more about Diplomas visit www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas .

These are broad work-related qualifications like BTECs and OCR Nationals. Schools decide which subjects to offer. They have a wide choice ranging from ICT and business to sport and media. Students may study them alongside GCSEs, as part of a personalised learning programme or as part of the Diploma. They can use them as a stepping stone to higher level study and employment with training.

Some schools offer Young Apprenticeships. These give students a 'real taste of work' while they learn. They spend the equivalent of two days a week studying for level 2 vocational qualifications that are broadly equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C. Learning is through a mix of classroom activities and practical hands-on experience, and includes 50 days on work experience spread over two years. For the rest of the time, Young Apprentices study the normal school curriculum and work towards GCSEs and other qualifications.

On completion of their Young Apprenticeship, students may be able to move straight to a full-time Apprenticeship in their chosen area or continue their learning at school or college. Check with your teenager's school to see whether Young Apprenticeships are available.