Plot twist! Helping your teen embrace plan B

Students (and parents) often believe that by age 16, career paths should be set in stone. This mindset is reinforced by our education system:  Subject choices at age 13/14 influence post-16 options, which in turn affect higher education pathways before finally determining career prospects. However, reality tells a different story: 

• Gen Zs are predicted to be working for up to 50 years across 15 different jobs. 
• Research suggests that around 70% of jobs don’t require specific degrees. 
• The World Economic Forum estimates up to 85% of jobs that will exist in 2040 haven’t even been invented yet.  

So, what am I trying to say? 

1. It’s highly likely that at some point between the ages of 13 to 50, an individual will change their mind. 
2. This change of mind is a great thing. 
3. It’s only problematic when due planning has not been made. 

With that in mind, let’s look at how you, as parents, can help your child make the most of these changes.  

There's an ample number of days between your child's final examination and results day for students to have a rest, reflect, and prepare. Whilst I’m going to leave the relaxation to the student, it’s your job as parents to support them in reflecting upon how the exams went and how they feel about their future options. Together, you need to garner a sense of whether their firm and insurance options are accurate. If not, it’s then about using the summer to visit other institutions, make some preliminary phone calls with admission tutors and ultimately create a map of different options for each eventuality.

Remember, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail”. 

UCAS Extra 

UCAS Extra is open from 26 February to 4 July for any students who either don’t have any offers or who have declined their offers. All a student needs to do is filter for available courses, give that university or college a call, and then add one choice at a time.  

One of my students has very happily accepted a place, through Extra, to study medical pharmacology after not getting anywhere with dentistry. Happy days. 

Clearing 

Clearing opens the day after extra closes on 5 July and closes on 20 October. That’s 107 days to: 

• Review their original choices (remember they can re-apply to ones they were initially unsuccessful with).
• Look for different courses (either at the same or different provider). 

But just a note that I will talk more about – not all Clearing courses are released in July. Universities and colleges release new courses up until October although 14 August is a hive of activity.  

Foundation years 

Instead of worrying about having to re-do any exams, universities or colleges have a broad array of foundation year programmes that act as a bridge between sixth form and higher education. I love these offerings as they ensure students can keep progressing rather than feeling stuck in a level 3 quagmire. 

It also has the advantage of enabling students to ‘check’ whether the original degree programme is right for them, or twist into a new field for first year.  

Degree apprenticeships 

Degree apprenticeships enable a student to develop industry specific skills and earn a salary whilst working towards a level 6 qualification. The kicker is that they’re competitive. I’ve suggested to students who aren’t sure about either option to apply to both and thus make their decisions, come results day, once they’ve got all their cards on the table.  

Your child has just finished 13 years of full-time education, been under significant pressure, and been assessed to an inch of their lives. So, to ensure these important conversations land as well as possible, follow these key tips: 

1. Time conversations carefully 
2. Choose the setting wisely 
3. Use open questions instead of directives 
4. Listen more than you talk 
5. Avoid comparison with siblings/peers 
6. Use decision matrices like SWOT, pros and cons lists or decision trees 
7. Validate their feelings 
8. Establish regular check-ins to prevent last-minute panic 

And finally, don’t forget to rehearse the university Clearing phone call. 

I will never forget a student who, after much encouragement, applied and got an offer at a prestigious university. However, at the eleventh hour, she decided to switch to a level 4 apprenticeship. I had to realise that my version of what was ‘right’ wasn’t necessarily in alignment with what they thought or needed to do. Interestingly, that same student, after finishing her apprenticeship programme, got back in contact when she was reapplying to university and is now about to finish her second year. 

Whatever your child is considering, reflect upon your child’s level of interest, the program’s transferable skills, industry engagements and career support, instead of your perceptions and biases. No decision is final. Your child’s life, educational journey and career will be very long and prosperous. Choosing one option now doesn’t make the other option impossible later. 

So now you hopefully feel a little clearer on how to turn indecision into actionable steps. Here are some useful resources: 

UCAS  

• Not only ample searches for university, colleges, apprenticeship and careers, but friendly advisers are on hand to answer any questions over the phone. UCAS is on my speed dial for that very reason.  

Parent/student forums and support groups

• There are ample online forums to access, share questions and explore options. 
• Indeed, remember to contact specific universities to garner access to their fresher communities and student support services 

Apprenticeship websites and search tools 

• Find an Apprenticeship (UK government’s official search) 
• UCAS Apprenticeship Search (does what it says on the tin) 
• Not Going to Uni (opportunities plus advice and guidance) 
• Rate my Apprenticeship (reviews from current/past apprentices) 
• NHS Careers (for healthcare apprenticeships) 
• Construction Talent (for construction industry specifically) 

Career aptitude resources 

• Check what tools your child has available to them at school. 
• National Careers Service (offers free skills assessments, career tools, and personalised guidance)  
• Prospects Career Planner (although designed specifically for university students and graduates, it has great resources) 
•  iCould (offers quizzes, videos and more)   

Financial planning resources 

• Student Finance (official government website with application guides and available on the phone) 
• UCAS budgeting guidance (helps students plan expenses) 
• Save the Student (comprehensive website with tools) 
• Scholarship Hub (UK scholarship search engine) 
• WeBelong (charity supporting students who aren’t eligible for UK finance) 

Mental health support services

• Young Minds (UK’s leading charity) 
• The Mix (essential support for under 25s) 
• Kooth (online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform) 
• 7 cups (free emotional support via online chat) 
• Headspace (mindful resources/podcasts) 
• Papyrus (essential guidance and support) 

So, embracing Plan B isn't about settling—it's about planning and adaptation. 

As parents, your role isn't to plan your teen's future but to equip them with tools to navigate change confidently. By fostering open communication and supporting exploration, you're helping your teen develop resilience—perhaps the most valuable skill for their 50-year career ahead. After all, in a rapidly evolving world, the ability to pivot may be their greatest advantage.