Helping Your Child Discover Their Future
As a parent, carer or family member, you play one of the biggest roles in shaping a young person's future. Whether your child is already thinking about university or simply exploring different options, having the right information can help you support them with confidence.
This section provides straightforward guidance about the Discover Programme, higher education, apprenticeships, student finance and future career pathways.
There is no single route to success and we're here to help you understand all of the options available.
What is Discover?
The Discover Programme is 51福利's sustained widening participation programme for young people in Years 8, 9 and 10.
Unlike one-off university visits, Discover supports students over two years through a series of engaging activities that help them:
- Build confidence
- Explore different careers and subjects
- Learn about university life
- Understand future education options
- Meet current university students
- Develop skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving
Students take part in both school-based sessions and visits to 51福利, giving them the opportunity to experience university life first-hand in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Why Start in Year 8?
Many parents think university decisions begin in Year 11 or Sixth Form.
In reality, aspirations, confidence and subject interests begin developing much earlier.
Discover helps students:
- Understand why school matters
- Connect learning to future careers
- Build confidence before GCSE choices
- Feel that university is somewhere they belong
The programme is designed to widen horizons rather than encourage one particular pathway.
What Will My Child Gain?
By taking part, students will:
? Meet current university students
? Explore exciting subjects not usually taught in school
? Learn about different careers
? Build confidence
? Improve communication and teamwork skills
? Learn about all post-16 and post-18 options
? Experience a university campus
? Begin planning for their future
Understanding Student Finance
Does University Cost Too Much?
One of the biggest worries families have is paying for university.
The good news is that most students do not pay tuition fees upfront.
Instead, eligible students can apply for government-backed student finance to help cover the cost of studying and living at university.
Tuition Fee Loans
A Tuition Fee Loan can cover the full cost of university tuition.
The money is paid directly to the university.
Students do not pay anything before starting their course.
Maintenance Loans
Students may also be eligible for a Maintenance Loan to help with living costs such as:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Travel
- Study materials
The amount available depends on household income and where a student lives during university.
When Do Students Repay?
Student loans work differently from bank loans.
Graduates only begin repayments:
- once they earn above the repayment threshold
- through their salary
- based on what they earn, not what they owe
If earnings fall below the repayment threshold, repayments stop until income increases again.
Many graduates will never repay the full amount before the loan is written off under the terms of their repayment plan.
Extra Financial Support
Many universities, including Lancaster, also offer:
- Scholarships
- Bursaries
- Hardship funding
- Support for care experienced students
- Support for estranged students
Financial support varies between universities and courses.
Apprenticeships
University Isn't the Only Route
Higher education isn't one-size-fits-all.
Many young people choose apprenticeships because they combine employment with education.
Students earn a salary while gaining recognised qualifications.
Different Levels of Apprenticeship
Students can choose from:
Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2) Equivalent to GCSEs.
Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3) Equivalent to A Levels.
Higher Apprenticeships (Levels 4–5) Equivalent to a Foundation Degree or HNC.
Degree Apprenticeships (Levels 6–7)Students work while studying for a full university degree.
University or Apprenticeship?
There isn't a "best" option.
The right choice depends on:
- Career goals
- Learning style
- Personal preferences
- The industry they want to work in
Many careers can be reached through either route.
Discover encourages students to explore all possibilities before making decisions.
How Parents Can Help
You don't need to know everything about university to support your child.
Small conversations can make a big difference.
Try asking:
- What subjects do you enjoy most?
- What careers sound interesting?
- What skills do you think you're good at?
- What did you learn during your Discover session?
- Is there anything you'd like to know more about?
Showing interest and encouraging curiosity helps build confidence.
Parent Resources
Useful Websites
Here are some links to trusted organisations including: