Who else can help?

Schools welcome the support that parents and carers provide. They offer open evenings for you to find out more about the options in Years 10 and 11 and to give you an opportunity to ask questions.

Your teenager's school will have a careers co-ordinator who is able to talk through the options available and give advice on choosing courses and how these fit in with future education, training and career options.

Individual subject teachers and form tutors are a good source of advice as they know your teenager well and how they are getting on in different subjects.

Your teenager also has careers education lessons that cover the courses and qualifications available in Years 10 and 11 and how to choose wisely. They learn about the value of work experience and how to look ahead to further education, training and careers.

Volunteers and learning mentors in school 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.

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.

Connexions personal advisers go into schools and also work out of Connexions centres. They offer advice and guidance on courses, training and careers and can help your teenager make decisions.

Connexions personal advisers can also give information, advice and practical help with a variety of other issues, including finance, health and using spare time in a sociable, positive way. In fact, they can help with anything that might be affecting your teenager at school, college, work or in their personal or family life.

They recognise the part you play in supporting your teenager and are happy to talk to parents and carers in school or in a Connexions centre. Most Connexions centres are in a central high street location and you can find your nearest one by contacting Connexions Direct, see below.

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. You and your teenager can get in touch by phone, e-mail, text or online.

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, talk to an adviser online or e-mail from the website at www.connexions-direct.com.

For further information see Help with challenges.