Year 11 Planner

This handy planner is useful to guide you through your final GCSE year:

October

• Start to formulate a plan for after Year 11
• The National Careers Service website (external link) has impartial information
• Speak to a Careers Adviser if you have one in school
• Get advice from teachers and family

November

• Revise for your mock exams - these grades are important when applying for courses
• Start to do some online research about what you might like to do after 16

December

• Sit your mock exams
• Use the Christmas break to further research your  next steps

January

• Order some prospectus’ of places that interest you
• Start to attend open evenings of places you have short listed
• If interested in an Apprenticeship, try and speak to a careers adviser and open an account on the Apprenticeships website (external link)

February

• Continue to attend open events
• Start to complete application forms for colleges or training places
• Ensure you have back up plan too (apply for more than one place)

March

• Try to ensure that application forms have been returned by the deadline which is usually around Easter (this is sometimes earlier though, so check)
• Update your CV

April

• Attend any interviews that you are invited to. Try and reschedule any you can’t attend
• Open a bank account as you may need one soon

May

• Your GCSE exams will start this month so make sure you revise and are fully prepared

June

• You will have more GCSE exams this month
• Perhaps start to look at getting a part-time job or or gaining experience through voluntary work over the summer

July / August

• Summer Holidays: perhaps get involved in local activities, get a part time job or do some volunteering
• Remember to pick up your GCSE results from school on results day!
• End August/September: ensure you enrol on your chosen course
• Seek help immediately if your plans fall through (0800 100 900 National Careers Service)

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