Year 11 is a very important year. You’ll be taking your GCSEs and will finally have the freedom to choose your next steps. These decisions will affect the next few years of your life and your later career choices. It’s an exciting time and you’ll need to think through all your options carefully.

If you've got your GCSE results and still aren't sure what education or training you want to do in September, then come along to one of the Clearing House events in Hastings, Eastbourne or Uckfield. You'll be able to talk to a range of post-16 providers, find out more information about the courses, apprenticeships and jobs on offer and even sign up on the day! Connexions 360 will also be there to offer information and advice. Your travel costs can be refunded on the day.

For more information download the clearing house events poster (Adobe PDF, 1MB).

Do you want to stay on in education or get a job with training? The longer you stay in education after 16 and the more qualifications you get, the better chance you have of getting a job you really enjoy. You’ll probably earn more money too.

There are lots of courses to choose from so there’s bound to be something out there to suit you. You can choose to do:

• a 14–19 Diploma
• AS and A-levels at school, a sixth form or further education college
• a vocational qualification which will prepare you for a specific career, like a chef or an engineer.

If you think you’d rather get a job or do some work based training, you can choose to do:

• an apprenticeship
• a job where you train while you work
• a job with time off for study towards a qualification
• a training programme to prepare you for work.

Connexions have a guide that takes you through all your options at 16 and helps you decide what to do. Read more at Connexions – It’s your Choice.

It’s important to start planning early so you can keep on track and visit college open days. To keep up-to-date, download your Connexions personal calendar.

You might want to stay on at your school’s sixth form or move on to college. Find out where you can study by searching the East Sussex area prospectus.

Don’t panic, help is at hand. The ‘September Guarantee’ means that if you are 16 or 17 and about to leave school or a one year college course, you are guaranteed to get help with what to do next, plus the offer of a place on a course to suit you. You can also talk to:

• your teachers – have a chat to the teachers of your favourite subjects
• older friends or family who also had to make choices at 16
• your parents or carers – they know you best, but bear in mind that they may not know much about the subject or career you want to take
• a Connexions personal adviser

Are you in Year 11 and choosing your options? Or have you been there and done that - what advice would you give? Leave a comment and let us know.