Skip navigation

    What are my options after GCSEs or National 5s?

    After GCSEs or National 5s, you could continue studying subjects you like, take vocational qualifications, an apprenticeship, or work or volunteer and study part-time.

    Exams are done and dusted, your results are here, now it’s time for the next steps.

    Choosing the right path is a crucial process in your learning curve. There’s the road that leads to university, but it’s by no means the only one available to reach your future goals. Other routes, like work or apprenticeships, can offer equally valuable experience as well.

    How do I start?

    It's perfectly normal to experience a mixture of emotions as you weigh up your options. Here are some questions to get you started:

    1. Where am I now?

      What do your results tell you? Are there certain subjects you like and excel at? Do you love numbers, theories, or more hands-on courses? 

    2. What do I see myself doing in a few years?

      Picture yourself in lecture halls and learning from world-class professors. Does that seem exciting to you? Or do you prefer learning on the job and getting paid at the same time? 

    3. What kind of skills or qualifications will help me get there?

      Will a degree help you land that goal? Or will a work placement at a college suit you better? Think about the knowledge and skills required to get to where you want to be. 

    What are your options after your GCSEs or National 5s?

    Study full-time

    Schools, colleges and training providers offer a range of subjects and courses that you can study full-time. You can study: 

    • subjects: A levels and other subject-based qualifications like Advanced Highers, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge Pre-U. These are good if there are subjects you like and want to study further, or if you are planning to go to university. You normally need to have at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4/A* to C (or an equivalent qualification, this can vary by university in Scotland, please check individual university websites) and may need at least a grade B in any specific subjects you want to study.
    • work and job-related courses: NVQs, BTECs, TechBacs and Cambridge Technicals are good qualifications to take if you want to combine hands on, practical learning with studying subjects and technical skills. They are specialist courses which relate to particular jobs, sectors, or subject areas. Depending on what qualifications you take, you can go on to further education, training, or employment, or you can go to university.

    Apprenticeships, traineeships and supported internships

    You can also choose to train while you work by taking on an apprenticeship, traineeship or supported internship. 

    • Apprenticeship: You work for an employer and train to do a specific job at the same time. There are over 280 types of apprenticeship for over 1,500 job roles – anything from engineering to boat-building, or veterinary nursing to accountancy.
    • Traineeship: Gets you ready for work or for doing an apprenticeship. They last from six weeks to six months and provide essential work preparation training, literacy and numeracy skills and work experience to get an apprenticeship or other job.
    • Supported internship: Just for students with learning difficulties or learning disabilities who want to get a job and need extra support to do this. They last for at least six months and are unpaid. You get work experience and an employer trains you to do a job role. You also get to study for qualifications or other courses to help you get ready to take up a job.

    Work or volunteer while studying part-time

    You can combine training or studying for a qualification and work at the same time.

    • It doesn’t have to be a paid job, you can volunteer on a project or with a charity, or get a work-experience placement in a career or job area that interests you.
    • Colleges and training providers offer a wide range of training courses that are part-time, including A levels and work-related qualifications like BTECs or NVQs. 

    Final word of advice

    It’s tempting to listen to your gut on what you believe is right. For instance, the idea of learning computer science seems exciting, and could lead to a rewarding career, so taking it as a subject feels logical to you. Your maths qualification, however, says otherwise.

    This is where you’ll need to strike a balance between honouring your instincts and your actual results. Find a middle ground where you can reach your full potential.

    At any stage, it’s always a good idea to seek guidance from teachers and advisors, so you’re clear about where each path leads. Whatever you do, ensure you don't just follow someone else's expectations. Read up on all the routes you can take and find the right one for you.