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Get Ready for Life After School

Leaving school is an important step and putting a few key things in place early can help you feel confident and prepared for what comes next, whether that’s college, training, or employment.

Below is some useful information to help you get ready when you leave school.

Things you need to get into place

Bank Account

You will need a bank account to receive payments such as:

  • Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) if you are eligible to receive and continuing in Full-time Education
  • Training allowances from your Training Provider
  • Salary from your employer

If you don’t already have one, it’s important to set this up as soon as possible.

Travel

If you will be travelling to college or training, you might be entitled to reduced travel costs.

  • Register for a My Travel Pass a discounted bus pass for 16-21 year olds. The pass provides you with access to reduced bus fares across Wales. Remember to apply early so you have this in place before your course starts.
  • You may also be eligible for additional financial support to help with transport costs. Further information on the Financial Contingency Fund can be found on the Coleg Gwent website

Financial & Wellbeing Support in College

There may be financial support available if you continue in education.

  • Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a £40 weekly allowance for pupils aged 16-18 years old. It is available to pupil’s who meet the eligibility criteria, which is based on household income. Applications usually open from April before your course starts.
  • The Financial Contingency Fund can provide extra financial support to pupils that meet the criteria and can help with additional costs associated with attending college such as travel costs, meal costs and any clothing required for a course. Eligibility is based on household income and more information can be found on the Coleg Gwent website.
  • Coleg Gwents Learner Support Team can provide well-being support and offer a counselling service  whilst you study.  More information about well-being support can be found on the Coleg Gwent Website. Coleg Gwent – Student Support [coleggwent.ac.uk]

Keep Important Information Safe

It’s essential to keep your important personal documents secure, as you will need them for your post 16 provider, future employment, and identification purposes.

You should make sure you have access to the following:

  • Your National Insurance (NI) number
  • Your birth certificate
  • Your passport (if you have one)
  • GCSE exam results

Keep these documents together in one safe place, so they are easy to find when you need them. You may also want to consider taking a photo or saving a digital copy as a backup.

Transition Visits

Most colleges and training providers will offer transition visits and for some college courses ( Level 1 courses in Coleg Gwent), transition visits are compulsory and you may risk losing your place on your course if you don’t attend. When you apply for college, you will register with your email address and college transition visit dates will be sent to this email account.

For more information on transition visits, speak to your post 16 provider. If you plan to go to Coleg Gwent, the Student Recruitment Team can provide further information on the status of your application and dates for transition.

Course Equipment (Kit)

Some courses require specific equipment or clothing and your college or provider will tell you what you need. Try and purchase this before your course starts.

If you require financial assistance to purchase, there may be support available to you. Check with your provider.

Child Benefit

If you continue in education or training, don’t forget to inform the HMRC as Child Benefit will stop if you do not continue with further education or a formal training pathway.

Not Sure What to Do Next?

It’s okay to feel unsure about what to do next. There are various pathways available after leaving school, including:

  • College or Sixth Form
  • Training via Jobs Growth +, which offers training and paid work experience, or
  • Securing an Apprenticeship or Employment

Careers Wales provide free impartial advice on options available and their Working Wales team can help with job searching.

All Secondary Schools in Torfaen have a Careers Adviser based in their Secondary School and you can arrange to speak to them for advice and guidance. Alternatively, an appointment can be arranged at the Careers Wales office in Cwmbran Town Centre and can be booked via the Careers Wales website.