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    Advice for parents, guardians and carers

    Everything you need to help your child decide on their next steps.

    Applying to university

    How to fill in a UCAS application
    If your child has decided university is the right path for them, here’s what they’ll need to know about making a UCAS application.
    Help your child write a great personal statement
    Taking a positive approach, and leaving enough time to do a good job, really can make your child’s application stand out from the crowd.
    What happens once UCAS gets an application?
    Find out what we do with your child's application and the different decisions a uni or college can make.
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    Sign up for our parent newsletter

    Whether your child is set on going to uni, or still looking into their options – including apprenticeships, gap years, or conservatoire courses – we can help. Sign up and we’ll send you everything you need to help them make an informed decision.

    Parent and child discussing options after school

    Parent, Guardian and Carer Guide

    Download our free guide, containing everything you need to support a young person with their options and decision-making, and help them through the UCAS application process.

    Parent, Guardian and Carer Guide

    Alternatives to uni

    Alternatives to uni
    Going to uni or doing an apprenticeship isn’t right for everybody. When researching post-16 plans, it’s important to weigh up all options and make the right long-term decision.
    Apprenticeship guide
    Heard of an apprenticeship but not sure what it’s all about? We share what you need to know and practical tips for supporting someone who might be thinking about an apprenticeship.

    Researching their options

    Planning their future
    It’s important students start considering their post-school plans early – read our advice on where to start.
    Researching uni options
    If your child decides university is the right path for them, there’s still a lot of research to do, with approximately 35,000 undergraduate courses to choose from.
    UCAS terms explained

    We use quite a few terms in the application process. We’ve explained them all here, if you need to check what any mean.

    Students in exam

    Dealing with exams and revision stress

    Exam season is an intense time for students, so we’ve got some handy tips to help you support the young people in your life with revision tips and how to manage their stress (and yours).

    Revision tips and managing exam stress

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    Key dates and the application journey

    Find out all the key dates and deadlines you need to know, and help your child keep their application on track.

    Go to key dates

    Student finance and accommodation

    How to pay for uni
    One of the biggest concerns for students and their parents is the cost of university. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about fees, finance, and repayment.
    Bills, budgeting, preparing for uni
    For many students, uni will be the first time they will have budgeted and paid for bills. Start planning now to make sure they know what to do.
    Finding university accommodation
    Finding somewhere they’ll be happy to live is an important consideration for your child when choosing where to study – reserarch their options and help them find the right place.
    Making new friends and dealing with homesickness
    There’s lots of opportunities for your child to meet people – here are five tips to get them started.
    Parent and child searching for Clearing vacancies online

    Clearing guide

    Not sure what Clearing is all about? Find out what you need to know and our practical tips for supporting someone through the process.

    Clearing guide

    Photo of Clementine Wade

    Your pocket careers adviser: Results day and Clearing support

    We've worked with university and school coach, Clementine Wade, to create articles, videos, and email tips to help you understand results day and Clearing, and get to grips with what you should be doing when to best support your child through the process.

    Explore Clem's advice

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