ou’re absolutely right—GCSEs (Key Stage 4) have been the UK’s cornerstone qualification since they replaced O Levels in 1988, and they still set the foundation for students’ next steps. Once pupils finish their GCSEs (usually around age 16), they move into further education (ages 16–18), where they can choose A-levels, BTECs or other vocational qualifications to prepare for either direct entry into the workforce or higher education.

If you’re looking beyond A-levels, one growing option is the ACCA course in UK. Although traditionally seen as a route into professional accounting, many colleges and universities now offer ACCA-approved modules alongside conventional sixth-form subjects. This means you can build a solid grounding in finance and business even before you head to university. From there, you can progress into higher education—say, a bachelor’s in accounting or finance—or go straight into an apprenticeship or industry role with a globally recognized ACCA qualification under your belt.