Useful links for Links for Learners
Whether you’re planning a gap year or revising for exams, you can get hold of the information you need by viewing our links to a wide variety of websites.
There is also a selection of useful links for IAG practitioners and others who provide information on learning.
You can also view direct links to education and training providers’ websites.
BBC Learning
The BBC's "online learning, support and advice" site aimed at actual and potential adult returners to education. There are links to relevant sections of both BBC and external websites (examples of the former are BBC2's "Learning Zone" and the basic skills area, Skillswise). Subject-based quick links lead to suggested sources concerned with topics of academic, vocational and general interest. A course search enables users to locate courses in their local area.
BBC Schools
Sections of subject-related information pertaining to 11-16 year olds and 16+. For 11-16 the "Onion Street" area includes school advice and study skills; at 16+ there are Key Skills and Study Skills areas, the latter incorporating a link to the Radio 1 "One Life" site which looks at young people's options at 16+, 18+ and 21+. Topics include subjects, qualifications, government initiatives such as Aimhigher and Connexions, funding and access courses.
DfES - Young People's Gateway
Areas cover topics including financial support, learning, tests and qualifications, students with special needs, voluntary work, going to university/college.
Directgov
Education and Learning area, including sections on making choices at 14-19 - how to choose subjects and which courses/where to study; leaving school and finding work; funding information; gap years and volunteering.
Gapyear.com
"Built by backpackers for backpackers," this site includes information on the range of gap year options open to young people (e.g. study options abroad, humanitarian work, teaching, expeditioning) and offers help in planning their arrangements. Advice on issues such as funding, budgeting and safety are also given, along with testimony from previous "gappers."
Merlin Helps Students
Describing itself as a "UK student information portal", this site is aimed at students aiming to study in further or higher education. There is a "Colleges and Sixth Form Schools" page offering a clickable map linking to listings of institutions within a region. A "Before University" section gives guidance on choosing a university and using UCAS; options available "After University" are also addressed, as are banking and finance.