Student Choices

Education in the UK

Differences between the curriculums and qualifications explained...

How important are GCSEs?

By Natasha Boydell

Which GCSEs should you take? A guide to choosing subjects

In England, most students will choose the GCSE subjects that they want to study in year nine, when they’re between thirteen and fourteen years old. GCSEs are then studied over the following two years leading to final exams. The majority of students will study nine or ten GCSEs, which is a credible number of qualifications for colleges, universities, and employers.

Vocational qualifications

What are the differences between A levels and Vocational Qualifications?

Post 18 options

There are a lot of options to choose from at 18. What’s right for you will depend on your situation and the career or job you have in mind. 

Eight questions to help decide if university is your next step

Deciding what to do after A-levels can be a tough decision at any time but this year there are even more things to think about. Here’s our guide to finding your way.

How to make a revision timetable

Having a schedule while you revise will allow you to effectively cover all you need to study. Read about how to make a revision timetable.

By Jamie Dobbs

Five reasons why you should consider choosing an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are a brilliant option for people of all ages to launch their careers in a huge range of exciting industries or upskill at various levels.

A-levels and AS-levels, explained

Confused about how your AS-level and A-level studies are structured? We clear up what you’ll study (and when).

By Andy Gardner, Careers Adviser

Choosing your GCSE options

Starting work may seem a long way off, but the subjects you study now can make a real difference to your future. Check out our guide to choosing your options.

How to write a personal statement for university

Writing a personal statement for university is up there as one of the most dreaded stages of applying to uni. But, worry not – this guide will help you write an application to be proud of.

By Laura Brown

What is a GCSE pass now? Number grades explained – and what to do if you fail English or maths

GCSE students are graded on a numerical system from 9 to 1, rather than grades from A to E.

By Sam Tabahriti

GCSE and A-level results have seen record grade inflation – here’s why that doesn’t matter

An Article from The Conversation.

By Helena Gillespie, Professor of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and Academic Director of Inclusive Education, University of East Anglia

Coping with exam stress

Both exams and the anticipation of results can be a stressful time. The Mix gives you some tips for getting through it.

By Holly Turner

Study motivation

Skipping seminars to stay in bed? Can’t seem to stay focused? Here’s how to avoid sleepwalking through your studies and get motivated.

By Holly Turner

How to choose a university and the right degree

Before applying to uni, there are some big choices to make. What’s the best degree for you? How do you find the right university? This guide will make your decisions a whole lot easier.

By Jake Butler

Should I go to university or do an apprenticeship in the UK?

By Chloe Lane

What are your vocational options at GCSE level?

Looking for an alternative to GCSEs? You have a lot of vocational options that you can do as well as your core GCSEs like Maths…

By Jess Amy Dixon

Choosing A-level subjects: five points to consider

Even if you know which subjects you want to study at A-level, it still pays to do your research.

Scottish Highers: what are they and how many should I study?

We’ve got all the answers to your frequently asked questions about Scottish Highers…

By Holly Sawyer