What can I do after GCSEs?

By law in England you must stay in some form of education or training until 18. Your options are: A levels or T Levels at sixth form or college, a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship, a traineeship or supported internship, or a vocational course (BTEC, NVQ). You can combine part-time work with all of these.

Should I choose a T Level or A levels?

A T Level is one two-year technical qualification, broadly the size of three A levels, with an industry placement of at least 315 hours (around 45 days) built in. Choose a T Level if you already know your broad sector and learn by doing. Choose A levels if you're still deciding, or you're aiming at competitive academic degrees that ask for named subjects.

What can I do after A levels instead of university?

Strong non-university routes after A levels include: degree apprenticeships (get the same degree, paid, no fees), Level 4–5 higher apprenticeships, school leaver schemes at large employers (accounting, engineering, tech, law, NHS), entry-level jobs with structured training, or a structured gap year focused on work experience.

Is an apprenticeship better than university?

Neither is better, they suit different people. Apprenticeships give you paid work experience, a salary, no tuition fees, and a recognised qualification (up to degree level). University gives you a broader academic experience and more time to decide what you want to do. The right route depends on how you learn and what you want from your 20s.

Should I take a gap year?

A gap year is worthwhile if you have a plan, work experience, saving money, volunteering, travelling with a goal, or building a portfolio. It's risky if it's just "a break". Most apprenticeships and unis are happy to defer, but you'll need to show what you did with the time.

I don't know what to do after school, where do I start?

Start with what you enjoy and what you're good at, not a job title. Take Shine's free 15-minute quiz to get a shortlist of UK careers matched to your personality and strengths, then explore the live apprenticeships, jobs and courses behind each one.

Can I change my mind later?

Yes. People change career an average of 5–7 times. Apprenticeships, foundation degrees and conversion courses all let you switch direction in your 20s. Picking a first step that pays you something is rarely a wrong move.

UK guide, updated 2026

What to do after GCSEs or A levels

Apprenticeship, university, first job or gap year? Compare your options side-by-side, take the free quiz, and pick a next step that actually fits you.

Browse live opportunities

Your main routes

None is "better" — they suit different people. Use this as a starting point, then dig into the ones that match how you learn.

Apprenticeship

Pay:: Earn from day one (£15k–£25k+)
Time:: 1–6 years, depending on level

Best if you learn by doing and want to start earning.

Explore apprenticeships

University

Pay:: No salary; £9,535/year tuition
Time:: 3–4 years for a bachelor's

Best if you want a broader academic base and more time to decide.

Entry-level job

Pay:: £18k–£28k typical, no qualifications needed
Time:: Start immediately

Best if you want experience and income fast, with the option to study later.

See teen jobs

T Level

Pay:: No salary; free at college, worth up to 168 UCAS points
Time:: 2 years after GCSEs

Best if you know your sector: one technical subject plus 45 days on a real industry placement.

T Levels explained

Structured gap year

Pay:: Self-funded or paid work
Time:: 6–12 months

Best if you have a clear plan: work, savings, volunteering or a portfolio.

Volunteering ideas

Decision checklist

Tick what matters most to you. If 3+ apply, that route is probably worth shortlisting.

I want to start earning straight after school
I learn better by doing than by reading or sitting in lectures
I'd rather avoid student debt
I already know the industry I want to work in
I want the broader social and academic experience of uni
I want time to figure out what I actually want to do
I have a specific plan for a gap year (work, savings, portfolio)

FAQs

What can I do after GCSEs?: By law in England you must stay in some form of education or training until 18. Your options are: A levels or T Levels at sixth form or college, a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship, a traineeship or supported internship, or a vocational course (BTEC, NVQ). You can combine part-time work with all of these.
Should I choose a T Level or A levels?: A T Level is one two-year technical qualification, broadly the size of three A levels, with an industry placement of at least 315 hours (around 45 days) built in. Choose a T Level if you already know your broad sector and learn by doing. Choose A levels if you're still deciding, or you're aiming at competitive academic degrees that ask for named subjects.
What can I do after A levels instead of university?: Strong non-university routes after A levels include: degree apprenticeships (get the same degree, paid, no fees), Level 4–5 higher apprenticeships, school leaver schemes at large employers (accounting, engineering, tech, law, NHS), entry-level jobs with structured training, or a structured gap year focused on work experience.
Is an apprenticeship better than university?: Neither is better, they suit different people. Apprenticeships give you paid work experience, a salary, no tuition fees, and a recognised qualification (up to degree level). University gives you a broader academic experience and more time to decide what you want to do. The right route depends on how you learn and what you want from your 20s.
Should I take a gap year?: A gap year is worthwhile if you have a plan, work experience, saving money, volunteering, travelling with a goal, or building a portfolio. It's risky if it's just "a break". Most apprenticeships and unis are happy to defer, but you'll need to show what you did with the time.
I don't know what to do after school, where do I start?: Start with what you enjoy and what you're good at, not a job title. Take Shine's free 15-minute quiz to get a shortlist of UK careers matched to your personality and strengths, then explore the live apprenticeships, jobs and courses behind each one.
Can I change my mind later?: Yes. People change career an average of 5–7 times. Apprenticeships, foundation degrees and conversion courses all let you switch direction in your 20s. Picking a first step that pays you something is rarely a wrong move.

Not sure which route fits?

Take the free quiz, 15 minutes, no pressure, and you'll get a shortlist of UK careers matched to you.

What are your options after GCSEs or A levels?

After GCSEs in England you must stay in education or training until 18: A levels, a T Level, a BTEC, an apprenticeship, or work or volunteering for 20 hours a week alongside part-time study. After A levels you can go to university, start a degree or higher apprenticeship, take an entry-level job or school leaver programme, or take a structured gap year.

Last reviewed 9 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.

Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.