Other options you may want to consider

Step 5: Next steps

If you haven't found the place you're looking for, or you've changed your mind about going to study at a conservatoire this year, there are plenty of options that can help you improve your knowledge and learn new skills or just give you a well-deserved break.

Reapply to conservatoires

If you'd like to start at a conservatoire next year, you'll need to reapply (we can't reuse an application from a previous year). Go to the Apply page to register.

Take a gap year

Taking a gap year can be a great experience and one which helps you get the skills you need for higher education. Gap years cover loads of options, from travelling abroad to work or volunteer, retaking qualifications, or learning something new that hasn't been an option before.

Whatever you choose, check that you can afford it and get plenty of advice before you decide. There are lots of sites to help you choose your gap year so search for what you're interested in. The websites listed below are a good place to start:

  • The Year Out Group - an association of leading year out organisations aimed at promoting the concept and benefits of well-structured year out programmes, to promote models of good practice and to help young people and their advisers in selecting suitable and worthwhile projects.
  • Volunteering England - a charity that works to support and increase the quality, quantity, impact and accessibility of volunteering throughout England.
  • vinspired - a charity that connects 16-25 year olds with volunteering opportunities in England.
  • Voluntary Services Overseas - the world's leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries.
  • Foreign & Commonwealth Office - the Travel & Living Abroad section provides travel advice by country, guidance to travellers before embarking on their trip, tips on staying safe and healthy, and travel news.

Study in another country

You could consider studying in a different country.

Find a job

If you're planning to reapply for higher education you may have decided to get some work experience first. Or you may have decided that higher education is not the right choice for you at the moment. The websites below may help you in your job search.

  • Directgov - hosts a range of information on finding a job including a job search function, skills and careers advice and information on volunteering.
  • Contact a Connexions Direct adviser who can provide advice on a range of topics for 13-19 year olds living in England and has access to a careers database.

Start a business

If you decide to start your own business, these organisations may be able to help you:

  • Prince's Trust - a UK charity helping young people aged 18-30 start a business; the Prince's Trust provides advice, training courses, development awards and enterprise schemes.
  • Business Link The official government website for businesses of all sizes. Business Link provides free business advice and support services through online and local advisers.

Need some advice?

If you need some help deciding what to do, speak to your local careers service or Connexions office for advice, or contact learndirect.