As a parent or carer , you ’ ll know that education is a crucial factor in your child ’ s future success and happiness . Helping your child to identify their passions , interests and talents and to work towards a satisfying career that ’ s right for them is one of the best things you can do to set them up for adult life .
GOOD TO KNOW
You don ’ t need to know all the answers ! Throughout this guide we ’ ll signpost you to online information so that you can find out more and help your child with their research .
Whether they choose an academic or work-based route , gaining higher level qualifications and training can boost your child ’ s employability and their earnings .
You ’ re one of the biggest influences in your child ’ s life , so they will turn to you for advice and guidance . If you don ’ t feel very confident about providing it , don ’ t worry , you ’ re not alone ! The educational landscape is constantly changing , making it difficult to keep up to date , and parents or carers who haven ’ t experienced university life for themselves can feel out of their depth when it comes to talking to their child about higher education .
That ’ s where this guide comes in . It explains the main decision-making milestones in your child ’ s educational journey , from GCSE choices onwards , including information about different types of qualifications and where they can lead . It provides tips on how to approach discussions with your child about their options , so that you can support them to make decisions that will set them up well for the future . It also offers guidance on supporting your child during the more challenging phases of their education , such as revision and exams , applying for courses or jobs , and moving away to university .
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT HIGHER EDUCATION
• In 2019 , the graduate employment rate ( 87.5 %) was substantially higher than the employment rate of non-graduates ( 72 %). 65.6 % of working-age graduates were in highskilled employment in 2019 , compared with 23.9 % of non-graduates .
Office for National Statistics Graduate Labour Market Statistics , May 2020
• Just 7 % of undergraduate students surveyed felt that their parents had no influence on their key education and careers choices .
Parental Influence on Children ’ s Academic and Employment Choices , GTI , December 2014
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Emotional support from parents is vital for children to succeed .
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