The Warren's CAN DO learning project

The Warren’s CAN DO learning project offers over 50 Open College Network accreditations and National test certificates: free qualifications equivalent to a GCSE in numeracy or literacy.

If you want to learn at a pace that suits you, in an informal environment then this might be for you. The Warren is based at 49 Queens Dock Avenue, in Hull and offers free support and activities for young people and guess what, it’s all for FREE!!! Find us on this map (link opens in new window) and drop in to say hi!

What choices do I have after GCSE’s?

Do you sometimes wish you had a crystal ball to help you see what the future holds?

Talk to your Connexions Personal Adviser at school or a teacher to help you decide to what to do. At the end of Year 11 you should be offered an interview to talk about your future plans and options.

If you are in year 11 you will have received your i4u planner. This should have helped you to think about the kind of person you are and what might suit you best once you finish year 11.

New learnhull website

Now for the first time, all schools, colleges and training providers in Hull and the East Riding are together on one website so you can browse what's on offer and compare courses to see what suits you best.

To get started all you have to do is visit www.learnhull.co.uk

You can find everything you need to know about all the courses that are available in school sixth forms, colleges and training providers. You can search for specific subjects such as history or construction or you can spend time having a look at all the options. You might be surprised at some of the courses on offer.

Most providers now accept on-line applications so you can browse, decide and apply - all in one place.

Check out your options

Further Education colleges offer a range of vocational qualifications and may be able to offer you a more flexible way of learning.

School sixth forms or sixth form colleges tend to offer AS and A2 levels and an opportunity to take, or retake GCSEs and key skills. Check out the websites of these colleges www.wyke.ac.uk, www.wilberforce.ac.uk, www.hull-college.ac.uk and ask your teacher for details of schools with sixth forms.

Work-based learning will let you work towards a qualification, while improving your skills, getting on the job training and earning money. Apprenticeships (link opens in new window) are the most common way young people enter work-based learning.

If you want to carry on learning after GCSEs you can get help with money depending on your circumstances. Think about what costs might be involved, like transport, books and living expenses. Discuss the options with a parent, carer or your Connexions Personal Adviser (link opens in new window).

Check out the Humber Aim higher (link opens in new window) website for useful information on higher education.

What universities can I go to?

You can apply for full time places at up to six universities. Whether they make you an offer depends on if they think you’re suited to the course and the grades they expect you to get in.

Check out the UCAS website ‘http://www.ucas.com/’ it has details of all university courses available.

What’s it like at university?

Life at university isn’t just about studying, it is also about learning about yourself, meeting new people and having a good time.

You’ll attend classes and lectures in your subject area, and you’ll get to meet loads of people who are interested in the same things. There are lots of sports and social clubs to join so making friends should be easy.

Check out the prospectus and website of any places you’re interested in then go to an open day where you can speak to current students. College and university prospectuses are available in the Central Library Reference and Information Service.

How do I pay for going to university? 

If you think you might want to go to university you’ll need to figure out how the tuition fees, books and living costs are going to be covered. Here’s a brief guide to some of the options worth checking out.

Student loans

The Student Loans Company offers students’ loans at university to cover living costs and any part of the tuition fees that aren't met by the Government or your Local Authority (LA) award.

You are expected to pay it back, but not until after you graduate and are earning a certain amount of money. Find out more: www.slc.co.uk

Government grants

You may be able to get help to pay for living costs through the Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant. This depends on how much money your parents/carer earns.

Get in touch with Student Services at your chosen university to check out if you can get help with funding your studies through bursaries, sponsorship and charitable funding.

If you’re leaving care and want to go to university ask your social worker or Connexions Direct Adviser for how you can get help with money from your local authority.

If you want more information check out:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/

Contact a Connexions Direct Adviser on 080 800 13 2 19, or text 07766 4 13 2 19, or email. Go to the website and follow the link http://www.connexions-direct.com

Aimhigher provides ideas to help you find the right course: www.aimhigher.ac.uk.

If you’re under 16 check out: www.aimhigher.ac.uk/dontstop

Download a guide to the financial help available from the Department for Education and Skills at www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport or call 0800 731 9133.