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Final years of school

Your Next Steps Timeline

A calm guide to what to think about, and roughly when, during your final years of school.

You do not need to do everything at once. Use this as a rough roadmap, then check the exact deadlines for the options you are applying for.

Scotland: S5 / S6Rest of UK: Year 12 / Year 13

Dates can change, and different schools, colleges, universities and apprenticeship providers may work slightly differently, so always check the official deadline for the option you are applying for.

Chapter one

Finding your direction

S5 / Year 12 and the summer in between

  1. SpringS5 / Year 12
    01

    Start exploring

    • Take the Career Test
    • Start noticing subjects and careers that interest you
    • Look at university, college and apprenticeship options
    • Make a rough list of ideas. It does not need to be perfect
    Career TestGuides
  2. Spring to SummerS5 / Year 12
    02

    Build experience

    • Look for work experience, volunteering or part-time work
    • Start building your CV
    • Keep notes on what you did and what you learned
    • Ask people what their job is actually like day to day
    Work Experience GuideCV & Cover Letter Guide
  3. Summer holidaysBetween S5/S6 or Year 12/13
    03

    First drafts

    • Draft your personal statement if you are applying through UCAS
    • Update your CV
    • Research courses, apprenticeships or college routes in more detail
    • Start preparing examples for applications and interviews
    Personal Statement GuideUCAS GuideCV & Cover Letter Guide

Chapter two

Making it real

S6 / Year 13 through to your next step

  1. AutumnS6 / Year 13Key moment
    04

    Early deadlines

    • Check if your course has an early deadline
    • This may include Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine or Oxbridge
    • Ask your school or college about internal deadlines
    • Give yourself time for references and edits

    Your school or college may set an earlier internal deadline than the official one.

    UCAS Guide
  2. WinterS6 / Year 13Key moment
    05

    Main applications

    • Finalise UCAS choices if applying to university
    • Submit applications before your school or college deadline
    • Apply for apprenticeships or jobs as they open
    • Keep track of logins, deadlines and replies
    UCAS GuideApprenticeship GuideCV & Cover Letter Guide
  3. SpringS6 / Year 13
    06

    Funding and practical steps

    • Research student finance or funding for your route
    • If you live in Scotland, check SAAS guidance
    • Look into accommodation, travel and budgeting
    • Keep important documents organised

    SAAS is for students in Scotland. Other parts of the UK have their own student finance systems.

    SAAS Guide
  4. Spring to SummerS6 / Year 13
    07

    Interviews and decisions

    • Prepare for interviews, assessment centres or applicant days
    • Compare offers and options
    • Ask questions before accepting anything
    • Remember that different routes can still lead to good outcomes
    Apprenticeship GuideCV & Cover Letter Guide
  5. Summer onwardsAfter school
    08

    Next step ready

    • Confirm your place, job, course or next step
    • Sort documents, travel, funding or equipment
    • Reflect on what you are excited or nervous about
    • Remember you can still change direction later

    This is a beginning, not a final destination.

Not sure where to start?

Start with the Career Test, then use your results to explore guides and options that feel relevant to you.

Take the Career TestExplore Guides