PARENTS are being urged to advise their teenage children on the best options for their education after GCSEs.

Bournemouth and Poole College has urged mums and dads to accompany teenagers on visits to their sites to find out what courses are on offer.

A spokesman made the suggestion after research by the Association of Colleges revealed confusion among young people about their post-GCSE options.

Although most knew about A-levels, only seven per cent could name apprenticeships as an option, nine per cent diplomas and three per cent foundation learning courses.

“I would strongly urge parents to get in touch and help their children to explore all of the options available to them before they make any decisions about their next steps,” said the spokesman.

Open evenings will be held on Thursday, November 3 from 4pm until 8pm at the North Road, Poole site and on Tuesday November 8, at the same times, at Lansdowne.

More information evenings are planned for February and May next year and all are open to GCSE students and adult learners.

The college offers hundreds of different courses in subjects ranging from catering and hospitality and tourism to hairdressing, business and management and professional studies.