We take a look at some of the options open to a Wigan teenager once they've received their GCSE results

At 16 every child across the UK has to decide what they want to do after secondary school. 

It is a daunting decision: as a 17-year-old Wigan and Leigh College student I can attest to that. 

Paired with Year 11 stress, you also have to attend college open evenings, looking at A-Levels, T-Levels and BTEC to name a few, as well as scouring online to find a good apprenticeship to line up with your future career goals. 

Which brings up the big question of "What do you even want to do for work?"

In the face of all this every 16-year-old across the country has to make a decision one way or another. Although none of them are better than another, it is important to be aware which one suits you, or your child, best.

As an A-Level student myself, I have direct experience with these types of courses. 

In my first year, I took politics, media studies, economics and English language and literature (you have the option to pick four A-levels), and can confirm that the teachers in the A-level department are exceptional and very welcoming. 

In addition, class sizes tend to be much smaller- which I have found makes me more inclined to take part and allows me to have a great one-to-one connection with my teachers. 

However, A-Levels at Wigan and Leigh are far from easy courses.

The college sets exams in both first and second year for the majority of courses. 

There are also AS-levels in the first year, an extra qualification and a good way to prepare for your A-levels, but they can be just as daunting and stressful as any other exam. 

The second year focuses on the usual A-Levels, which feature the unavoidable exams that you must sit to complete an A-Level course at any college. 

It is important, however, to be aware that all A-levels colleges are different, which is why I asked Neve, who is studying history, maths and biology at Winstanley, her opinion of the courses at her college. 

She said: "The teachers are all very friendly, and there is no unfairness in how the teachers treat students."

In addition, she also commented on the abundance of support offered and how much it has helped her during her first year of college.

It is important to be aware that the college has a very prestigious reputation, and she felt "a lot of pressure" because of it. 

But regardless of which sixth form you attend, students must be prepared for plenty of course work too.

Wigan and Leigh College, however, offers a lot more than A-Levels.

I spoke to Libby, a BTEC student, studying for a Level 3 art extended diploma, who said: "I enjoy the textiles aspect of the art and design as I find it interesting to not only design the clothes in my sketchbook but also to construct them and bring the design to life." 

Additionally, her time at college has led her to apply for a textiles course at university. 

She did mention that "the main issue with the course is the overall workload we get given." She emphasises the importance of having an interest in art, so that people are motivated to take on this work. 

Bailey, also at Wigan and Leigh College, is studying for a T-level in accountancy.

She said that the course is "interesting and fun," adding that the teachers he sees are easy to get along with but good at motivating him to get work done on time.

He did mention that "T-Level accountancy is not a subject you can take lightly," referencing the substantial workload along with presentations that are involved in the course.