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Shaping Your Future Workbook

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Explore your options. Build confidence. Plan ahead.

Choosing what to do after school or college can feel complicated. There are lots of routes, lots of decisions and lots of questions.

The Shaping Your Future Workbook is a comprehensive, interactive guide designed to help you understand your options, reflect on what matters to you and take practical steps towards your goals.

Download the Shaping Your Future Workbook (PDF) about Explore your options. Build confidence. Plan ahead.

About this workbook

Created by Go Higher West Yorkshire, this workbook supports students as they explore further education, higher education, careers and wellbeing.

It can be completed in school, at college or independently — and is packed with reflective activities, planning tools and practical guidance.

What you’ll find inside

  • Self-exploration activities to help you understand your strengths and interests

  • Clear guidance on Further Education (FE) routes including A Levels, BTECs, apprenticeships and T-Levels

  • A detailed introduction to Higher Education (HE), including university and degree apprenticeships

  • Support with UCAS, personal statements and interviews

  • Student finance and accommodation explained

  • Careers and employability planning

  • Study skills guidance

  • Self-care, resilience and wellbeing check-ins throughout

Who is this guide for?

This workbook is ideal for:

  • Students in Years 9–13 exploring future options

  • Learners preparing for post-16 or post-18 decisions

  • Students considering college, sixth form, apprenticeships or university

  • Teachers, tutors and careers advisers delivering progression support

  • Parents and carers supporting young people with next steps

Why use this guide?

The workbook helps you:

  • ✔ Reflect on your strengths, interests and goals

  • ✔ Understand Further Education and Higher Education routes

  • ✔ Compare qualifications such as A Levels, BTECs, T-Levels and apprenticeships

  • ✔ Prepare for applications, interviews and personal statements

  • ✔ Learn about student finance and university life

  • ✔ Build study skills, resilience and confidence

It combines practical information with reflective activities so you can move from uncertainty to action.

Further support