With the impending GCSE and A Level exam results and 300,000* students graduating this summer, Directgov, the nation’s official website for citizens, is launching What’s Next. The new resource from the government is for education leavers and their parents and can be accessed at: www.direct.gov.uk/whatsnext. The new initiative is a central source of easy-to-understand information and guidance on a range of topics relevant to young people looking at their options after finishing education. The website covers higher and further education, training, financial support as well as practical advice for those looking for jobs.

This is a joint initiative between the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills and the Department for Children, Schools and Families. The What’s Next campaign will be further supported by a TV and radio campaign, which launches on the 8 August featuring the voice of Mighty Boosh star, Julian Barratt.

Tony Singleton, Chief Operating Officer at Directgov, said: “All parents want to ensure their children get the best start to their independent, adult lives. In order to help parents feel informed, so that in turn their children can make confident decisions about their futures, parents need to understand all the options that are available.”