Posted 10 October 2025

As autumn progresses, many young people across the country are beginning to make important decisions about their next steps after school or college. This might mean preparing to submit UCAS applications to study at Higher Education (HE), or to start exploring alternative routes such as apprenticeships, further education, or training opportunities. 

However, for care-experienced young people, this can be a particularly daunting time. While many of their peers might have family members to turn to for advice, reassurance, or practical guidance, care leavers are often navigating these choices with less consistent support. The range of options available can feel overwhelming and understanding the best fit takes time, reflection, and encouragement from trusted adults. 

Don’t know what you want to do next? 

The UCAS Mission Card “Don’t Know What You Want To Do Next?” provides a helpful framework for starting conversations with care-experienced young people. It encourages them to ask questions such as: 

• What skills and grades do I need to study at HE? 
• What subjects can I study? 
• Do you offer any apprenticeships, and what types? 
• Who makes a great apprentice? 
• How can I research my options? 

These are exactly the kinds of questions that can help care-experienced learners begin to identify their interests, strengths, and goals and to see that there is no single “right” pathway to success. 

Professionals working with young people in care play a crucial role in helping them explore these options and in providing reassurance that uncertainty is normal. Encouraging them to attend UCAS Discovery events, explore apprenticeship providers, or speak with careers advisers can make a significant difference in building confidence and motivation. 

GHWY resources 

To support the decision-making process, Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY) offers a wealth of resources for care-experienced young people. Our dedicated materials include guidance on HE, funding opportunities, and the practical steps involved in making informed post-16 and post-18 decisions.  

Our collaborative approach across universities, colleges and a specialist institution in the region ensures that young people, especially those from care backgrounds, can access consistent, supportive advice no matter where they are in their journey. 

Offering support to young people 

As professionals, carers, or mentors, we each have an opportunity to be a positive and stabilising influence for care-experienced young people during this crucial stage. By encouraging exploration, offering informed guidance, and celebrating each step forward, we can help them feel empowered to make choices that align with their aspirations and circumstances. 

Even when the next step feels uncertain, what matters most is that no young person feels they are facing these decisions alone. With the right support and encouragement, every young person can discover a future that feels possible, and truly their own. 

 

Rob Scott, GHWY Training Delivery Officer