What can it do for me? Connexions is a service for young people aged 13- 19 ( up to 25 for some young people with learning difficulties or disabilities). It provides young people with information, advice and guidance on a whole range of issues. For example: . career decisions . dealing with unexpected exam results . applying for higher education . planning a gap year . seeking employment - including apprenticeships . writing a CV and preparing for interviews . financial support for studying. Connexions can also help or advise where to get help with more complex issues such as drug and substance use, relationships, health, housing and legal rights. Where is Connexions near me? Young people can contact a Connexions adviser at the local centres or contact points listed on the back of this booklet, but Connexions advisers also work closely with schools, colleges, and a range of other community based organisations known to young people. More details about Connexions in your area are available through these websites: For Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole - www. connexions- bdp. co. uk For Cornwall and Devon - www. connexions- cd. org. uk For Somerset - www. connexions- somerset. org. uk For Swindon - www. connexions- direct. com For West of England - www. connexionswest. org. uk For Wiltshire - www. wiltshire. gov. uk/ connexions- wiltshire Connexions Direct - the national enquiry service Connexions Direct is a national enquiry service for young people which offers help by phone, text, email and through web services: message board, web cam and chat room. Connexions Direct is especially helpful for those who have difficulty accessing their local Connexions Service. Features of the service include: . open 8am- 2am daily, 7 days a week, all year round . caller confidentiality from qualified staff . an award winning website with many interactive features . free use to landline users. Telephone 080 800 13 2 19 Text 07766 4 13 2 19 Email/ webchat www. connexions- direct. com The Connexions Service

Contents 1 The Connexions Services in the South West are continually seeking to improve the information and advice they provide. If you have any comments on the content or presentation of this book please contact your local Connexions Service ( see back cover). INTRODUCTION How this book can help you2 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Finding answers to FAQs 3 DID YOU KNOW? Facts and figures to set the scene5 HIGHER EDUCATION Calendar for advanced level students6 planning during your two year course For your diary7 UCAS higher education conventions in the South West Qualifications in higher education8 courses and qualifications explained Which subject? 10 an introduction to the vast range of subjects and combinations available Where to study12 factors to be taken into account when choosing where to go How to apply for higher education13 all the main application systems explained Finance for higher education18 loans, grants, bursaries, sponsorships and other sources of income Budget exercise20 Student life21 EMPLOYMENT Working in the South West22 an outline of the employment scene in your region Work Based Learning23 training packages for 16- 24 year olds Job seekers' tips 23 information and advice Employment after higher education24 prospects and trends for graduates BROADENING YOUR HORIZONS Time out26 advice and information on taking a gap year International opportunities28 work and study abroad FURTHER INFORMATION Sources of advice30 where to go for help and information Finding out more31 useful resources to help you with your decisions Abbreviations explained32 Website addresses 33 a selection of useful internet sites