Choosing the Right Course

Choosing a course can feel like a huge decision.

College, university, training, apprenticeships, online learning, short courses, long courses. Suddenly it can feel like everyone else knows exactly what they want to do with their life, while you are still working out what to have for dinner.

Here is the truth:

You do not need to have everything figured out… Most of us don’t!
You are allowed to explore, and you are allowed to change your mind.

This guide walks you through choosing a course step by step, in a way that considers you (your interests, your life, your money, and your energy) not just what looks good on paper.

Start with you, not with the course

Before scrolling through endless websites or prospectuses, pause and turn the focus back to yourself.

Think about what you genuinely enjoy, what you feel curious about, and what you tend to pick up naturally. You might also reflect on skills other people notice in you, or times you felt proud of yourself, even if they were not academic moments.

You can also think about:

Things you have enjoyed in work, volunteering, or hobbies
Subjects or activities that held your attention in the past
Moments where learning felt manageable or even satisfying

You do not need a perfect answer. You just need a rough direction to start exploring.

Think about your goals right now, not forever

You do not have to choose a course that locks you into a career for life.

Many people change direction several times, especially when they have not had the space or support to consider their options earlier.

It can help to ask yourself what you want from the next one to three years, rather than from your entire future.

Your goal right now might be to build confidence, gain a qualification for a specific job, try out a sector to see how it feels, or develop practical skills like communication, IT, or customer service.

Short-term goals are valid.
You are allowed to plan in small, manageable steps.

Consider how you like to learn

Different courses suit different learning styles, and this matters far more than people often admit.

You might learn best by doing rather than listening, by watching rather than reading, or by working alone rather than in groups. You might prefer coursework over exams, or need a calmer environment because of anxiety, ADHD, autism, or other learning differences.

For example:

Practical learners often enjoy apprenticeships or vocational courses
People who like discussion may prefer classroom or seminar-based learning
If exams are a struggle, courses assessed through coursework or portfolios can feel more supportive

There is no right or wrong way to learn, there is only what works for your brain.

Look at the different types of courses available

Once you have a sense of direction, it helps to know what options exist.

This might include college courses for GCSEs, A levels, diplomas, or trades; apprenticeships that combine work and training; university courses including foundation years or part-time routes; online courses that offer flexibility; or training programmes run by charities, employers, or specialist providers, sometimes aimed specifically at care-experienced young people.

You can mix and match over time.
Your path does not have to be straight.

Choosing the right course can feel overwhelming because there are so many options and no single “right” path. The video below shares guidance from a student perspective about how to think through your choices so it feels less confusing and more grounded in what matters to you:

Check the details before you commit

When a course catches your interest, it is worth slowing down and checking the practical details.

This includes entry requirements, course length, how many days a week it runs, the timetable and location, how you are assessed, whether there are placements or work experience, and what learning support is available.

Most of this information will be on the course page. If not, you are allowed to contact the provider and ask.

Think about life around the course

Courses do not exist in isolation. Your life matters too.

It is important to consider housing, money, health, work, caring responsibilities, and your support network. Ask yourself whether you can realistically get to and from the course, how you will cover travel and food, whether you need to work alongside studying, and whether part-time or flexible options would suit you better.

You deserve a course that fits your life, not one that breaks you.

Explore financial support early

Money is a practical part of choosing a course, not something to feel awkward about.

You might be entitled to bursaries, grants, funding for care leavers, help with travel costs, student finance, or support with equipment or laptops.

It is worth checking:

Your local Care Leaver Offer
The college or university’s financial support pages
Information from your PA or support worker

You are not greedy for asking about funding.
You are being responsible.

Ask questions before you say yes

You are allowed to ask questions before committing to a course.

This might include asking what support is available for care leavers, whether there is help for ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or mental health, how students are assessed, what flexibility exists if your situation changes, and what students usually go on to do afterwards.

Open days, taster sessions, emails, and phone calls all count.
You are not being ‘annoying’.
You are checking whether the course deserves you.

Try before you decide, if you can

If you feel unsure, it can help to attend an open day, try a short course, complete a free online introduction, or speak to current or former students.

Getting a feel for the subject and environment can tell you far more than a brochure ever will.

Remember you are allowed to change your mind

Sometimes you start a course and realise it is not right.

The subject might not suit you. The timetable might not work. The environment might not feel safe or supportive.

This is not failure; It is information.

You are allowed to switch courses, move to part-time study, take a break, or try a different pathway. Many people do.

Your journey is still valid.

Reflective moment

If choosing a course feels heavy, confusing, or scary, that makes sense. You may never have had someone sit with you and talk through your options. You may feel pressure to “get it right” because you do not have a big safety net.

But learning is not a one-time decision.
It is a path you can adjust as you go.

You are allowed to explore, you are allowed to take your time and you are allowed to choose what supports you, not just what looks impressive.