Ask the Expert: Guidance for school leavers

I am working on a summer programme with many young people who have left school. They all seem to think they can go to university but haven’t done anything about it. I feel like I should be helping. What can I do?

Interestingly, most young people do think that they can go to university and it is as simple as going to school. On the one hand this is great, as they no longer feel it is an exclusive opportunity, but it is not always realistic.

The applications process should be simple, as schools and signposting services will often run workshops and programmes informing pupils about choices. Unfortunately, I find a significant number of school leavers do apply through clearing or turn up at open days thinking they have achieved university entry level, when in fact they have not.

Websites including www.thestudentroom.co.uk, www.direct.gov.uk and www.ucas.com are helpful in telling you about funding, applications, courses and all sorts. You might want to sit down with your group and go through them.

Answered by Tracie Trimmer-Platman, senior lecturer in youth and community work at the University of East London