Choosing your GCSE subjects is one of the first important steps in shaping your future. The options you select can influence, not only the courses you can study at A Level or in vocational pathways, but also the range of career opportunities available to you.
It’s completely normal not to know what job you want at this stage. Many adults end up in careers they didn't plan at 14. The important thing is to choose subjects that match your skills and interests, which keeps your options open for the future. Thinking ahead and picking subjects you enjoy now can give you a strong foundation and make future study easier and more rewarding.
Everyone has different strengths and interests, so focus on subjects you enjoy and are likely to do well in. Your choices should reflect your skills, interests, and possible career ideas – not just what your friends pick. Making thoughtful decisions now will help you stay on track and open up more opportunities for education and work later.
Further Information
Please click on the tabs below to find out more.
Where Subjects Can Take You
| Subject | Skills Developed | Example Careers |
| English | Communication, critical thinking | Journalism, Law, Teaching, Marketing |
| Maths | Problem-solving, analytical thinking | Engineering, Finance, IT |
| Science | Research, experimentation | Medicine, Lab Technician, Environmental Science |
| History | Research, essay writing, analysis | Historian, Law, Politics, journalism |
| Geography | Analytical thinking, data interpretation | Urban Planner, Environmental Consultant |
| Art and Design | Creativity, visual communication | Designer, Architect, Animator |
| Languages | Communication, cultural awareness | Translator, international business |
| PE | Fitness, teamwork | Physiotherapist, Sports Coach, Nutritionist |
Get to Know Yourself
Before you choose your options, it’s important to understand who you are and how you like to learn and work. One way to do this is by completing the Personality Profile quiz on Unifrog. This short quiz helps you identify your strengths, interests, and preferred ways of working.
There are no right or wrong answers – it’s not a test. The results can help you think about the subjects you might enjoy, the skills you use most, and the types of careers that could suit you in the future. Use it as a starting point to support your options choices, alongside advice from teachers, parents, and tutors.
Skills Focus
Many jobs don’t ask for a specific GCSE, but they do look for skills. GCSE subjects are really about developing the skills that employers and colleges value, such as problem-solving, communication, creativity, and teamwork. Enjoying a subject often means you enjoy using the skills it teaches – and that usually leads to better progress and more options later on.
It’s helpful to think about the types of skills you enjoy using most:
- Creative Skills
- Analytical & Thinking Skills
- Practical & Hands-On Skills
- Communications & People Skills
- Organisation & Leadership Skills
Options Dos & Don'ts
✅ DO
- Choose subjects you enjoy and are good at – enjoyment often leads to better results.
- Think about the skills you’re developing, not just the subject name.
- Keep your options open by choosing a balanced mix of subjects.
- Talk to others – teachers, parents, tutors, and careers advisers can help.
- Look ahead to post-16 pathways (A Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships).
⚠️ DON'T
- Don’t choose a subject just because your friends are choosing it.
- Don’t avoid a subject simply because it feels challenging – challenge helps you grow.
- Don’t pick a subject just because you like the teacher – teachers may change.
- Don’t panic if you don’t know your future career yet – most students don’t.
Thinking Ahead to Post-16 Study
It’s worth noting that sometimes you can study certain A Level subjects even if you haven’t taken them at GCSE. This is often the case for subjects that are less commonly offered at GCSE, such as law, media studies, economics, psychology, or religious studies.
However, if you are already thinking ahead to a subject you might want to study post-16, choosing it at GCSE can give you a stronger foundation and improve your chances of success at A Level.
External Support
There are a number of websites available to both students and parents that can help provide information and advice.
Careers Guidance
- All About Careers: Career exploration, jobs and advice.
- Career Pilot: Designed to help 11 to 19-year-olds explore study and work pathways.
- Careersbox: A free careers resource showing hundreds of real people doing real jobs.
- icould: Features over 1000 videos of real people talking about their careers.
- National Careers Service: A government service that provides information, advice and guidance on learning, training and work.
- Prospects: Advice on jobs, courses and careers.
- U-EXPLORE: Job, apprenticeship and course information for 11 to 18-year-olds plus tools, including job suitability profiling and online records of achievement.
- Success at School: The place for young people to explore careers, get the lowdown on top employers, and search for the latest jobs, courses and advice.
- Target Careers: Expert information and advice on the range of career possibilities available and the best routes into them.
- The Marches LMI: Helpful information about jobs and career opportunities in our area.
Next Steps
- Log in to Unifrog to access a range of useful resources: https://www.unifrog.org/sign-in
- Book a one-to-one appointment with our Careers Lead, Miss Edwards, for guidance and support.
