A gap year offers pupils the chance to explore the world and take time to learn about what they truly want from life. It’s a year that they can reflect, and take a well deserved break. All before starting a degree or entering their desired profession. Many students that have the opportunity go travelling during the year and do the things they otherwise would not get the chance to whilst studying or juggling a full time job.

There are a multitude of benefits and reasons as to why you might want to consider a gap year. Below are some shared by a top boarding school in the UK and factors you should also bear in mind.

1. Indecision

If you’re unsure as to what you want to do with your life, a gap year can give the space to learn about yourself, understand your internal motivations and figure out what you want to do next as opposed to making a rushed decision. While great for personal and professional development, university isn’t for everyone and there are various pathways available.

2. The Chance to Save

Tuition fees for studying at a UK university are astronomical. Paired with the costs of accommodation, there’s a lot of financial pressure on students. A gap year gives you the chance to work and make savings ahead of starting your course and lessen the struggle.

3. Gain New Skills

Also, through taking a gap year and working, you will have gained work experience to add to your CV, skills, competency, and understanding of the world of work.

4. Gain New Experiences

Full time study doesn’t allow much time for anything else. Therefore a gap year gives you a break to do all the things you want to do. Such as travelling the world, and gaining experiences you otherwise wouldn’t.

Things to Consider

After a year’s gap, you may start to forget some of the content that you were taught at A level and BTEC. If you’re wishing to continue in education, this can make things a little trickier and is worth bearing in mind. From a university’s perspective, students who complete a gap year come with work experiences, renewed motivation, and maturity.

Should I Complete a Gap Year?

The choice to undertake a gap year is entirely yours. There is no right or wrong as work experience can alternatively be gained whilst studying, or as a part of your degree course.