You do not have to enter Higher Education immediately after leaving school. Each year around 25,000 students decide to submit an entry deferred for a year. Many more have to take a year out because they did not make the grades they expected. Yet more decide to apply after a year out, once they know their exam grades.

The GAP year can include the 15 months between June when you finish your exams and October (usually) when you enter University. If you plan to take a gap year, start planning as early as possible and check out the views of the department or faculty to which you are applying. They are more likely to be impressed if you have a well-planned schedule and good reasons for the break. The following guides will help you make the most of this once-only opportunity.

Your Gap Year Information on many of the things you need to know when planning a gap year, includes country-by-country information and many personal accounts by previous 'gappers'. (Vacation work)

The Gap-Year Guidebook Information for potential 'gappers' including sports courses, languages, travelling, volunteering and working around the world. (John Catt Educational)

GapYear.com (general advice and resources)

YearOutGroup.org (general advice and resources)

GreatGapYears.co.uk (general advice and resources)

GapWork.com (general advice and resources)

GapYearDirectory.co.uk (general advice and resources)

Bunac.org (Working and volunteering abroad)

Lattitude.org.uk (Volunteering)

CSV.org.uk (Community Service Volunteers

Yini.org.uk - Year in Industry (paid placements)

GapYearJobs.co.uk (Employment)

E4s.co.uk - Employment for students

GreenVolunteers.com

Official advice on travelling abroad from the Government.