Parent and Carer Guide
Supporting your child’s journey into Higher Education
As a parent or carer, you play a vital role in helping your child make informed decisions about their future.
The Go Higher West Yorkshire Parent & Carer Guide explains the education journey from GCSEs through to Higher Education, helping you understand the choices available and how best to support your child at each stage.
About this guide
Higher Education can feel complex, especially with changing qualifications, funding systems and application processes.
This guide provides clear, impartial information about:
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GCSE and post-16 subject choices
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Further Education routes (A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and apprenticeships)
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Higher Education pathways, including degrees and degree apprenticeships
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UCAS applications and key deadlines
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Student finance, loans and repayment
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Student support and wellbeing
It is designed to help you feel confident in the advice and guidance you give.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is ideal for:
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Parents and carers of young people in Years 8–13
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Families supporting GCSE or post-16 choices
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Parents whose child is considering university or higher-level apprenticeships
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Families who may be unfamiliar with Higher Education
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Parents supporting a young person returning to education
Why use this guide?
The guide helps you to:
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✔ Understand the Higher Education journey step-by-step
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✔ Support subject and qualification decisions
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✔ Compare academic, vocational and apprenticeship routes
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✔ Navigate the UCAS application process
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✔ Understand tuition fees, maintenance loans and repayment
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✔ Learn what student support is available
It provides clear explanations and practical prompts so you can have informed conversations at home.
Further support
Need more help?
