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TAKING THE NEXT STEP

PROUD MOMENT: Make sure your teenagers know all the options

Tuesday August 12,2008

By Alison Coleman

WITH A-level results due out on Thursday, followed by GCSE results on August 21, it’s decision time for many thousands of young people.

Getting the required grades for a particular university or college course is crucial for plenty. If these fall short, retakes remain an option but for a growing number ofstudents, the way to do this is by distance learning.

Oxford College is a specialist provider of distance learning programmes, including A-level courses, in a range of subjects.

General manager, Sandra Armstrong, said: “Instead of retaking the whole course, you can just retake the exams for certain modules in order to get the points needed for your university course.

Many students find distance learning preferable, because it allows them to fit in paid work around their studies.”

Not all school leavers, however, want to attend university.

Alternative study options include vocational courses and apprenticeships offering good career prospects.

West Kent College in Tonbridge offers a range of courses, including diplomas and degree programmes accredited by the University of Kent and University of Greenwich, aimed at youngsters aged between 16 and 18.

Music, performing arts, fine art and beauty therapy are among the most popular subjects available.

Marketing manager, Liz Penn, said: “There’s plenty of choice in terms of the subjects available and the way that you want to study, including full-time and part-time options for many of the programmes.”