Information for Parents and Carers

Information for Parents/Carers

The Government scheme ‘Raising the Participation Age’ made changes in 2015 to ensure that young people remain in education until the age of 18. This could be with a school-based sixth form, a college of further education or through a work-based learning programme such as an apprenticeship. In addition, students who do not achieve grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics, will be expected to re-take these subjects or study other types of English and Mathematics qualifications.

To support students with decisions about their next steps it can be helpful if parents/carers:

Talk regularly about next steps and explore a wide variety of options together.
Develop a good understanding of what is on offer as provision today is different to that of the past and it can help to be aware of different pathways and courses.
Be open to a range of new ideas and what might suit your child.
Encourage your child to seek support where necessary through the careers programme provided at Harrogate Grammar School included using information, resources and website links shared and the opportunity to meet with a Level 6 qualified Careers Adviser in school. Parents/carers are welcome to attend careers guidance meetings.
Encourage your child to explore Labour Market Information to help them understand how the range of jobs is growing all the time. This can be done by supporting your child to talk to friends and family about their own career journeys, to attend open events held by education, training and employment providers, by discussing jobs of people students encounter outside of school and searching online.
Students and parents/carers are also invited to attend the annual HGS Careers Fair in November to meet a range of education and training providers as well as different companies and employers to find out more about pathways and career options which students could consider for the future.