If your son or daughter is in Year 9

Year 9 is a time of change and decision for young people; there are so many options available to them and making their choices can be confusing.

So it's important you, as parents, have some support to help you understand the options available to your son or daughter and know where you can go for advice.

Getting started
When faced with making difficult decisions, it’s easy to get confused. We suggest that you encourage your son or daughter to:

• think about what they’re good at

• think about the subjects they enjoy

• find out about all the options open to them

• look at their strengths and weaknesses

• work out how best they like to learn – are they practical or academic?

• find out what qualifications are needed for the job or career they want

• keep their options open.

Encourage your teenager to:

• talk to as many people as possible about their options, including yourselves, older siblings and their friends

• talk to the teachers whose subjects they are interested in

• ask in school for careers and options advice.

More details on Year 9 Options

DirectGov's advice for parents and carers of year 9 teenagers

Year 9 information and advice we give to your son or daughter on SortItOnline