For many, taking a gap year before university or after A-levels sounds like a great idea because it gives pupils an amazing opportunity to gain new skills and meaningful experiences for personal growth. Some may want to explore the world, whilst others may volunteer or seek paid employment. That said, the question remains, what to do in a gap year to ensure this time-off is productive and not wasted?
When planned well with purpose and structure, a gap year can really add value and enrich a young person’s life. If you’re not sure how, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll share some of the best gap year ideas in the UK you can take inspiration from, including gap year jobs, internships, and more, alongside a few gap year pros and cons to help you decide whether it’s worth doing. Plus, learn how Lord Wandsworth College’s Futures Team helps pupils simultaneously plan their gap year and post-18 pathways so they can make the most of this break.
Key Takeaways
- A gap year is a planned year out before university or a degree apprenticeship, and, when used well, it can build skills, experience, maturity, and a clearer sense of direction.
- Productive gap year ideas fall into five themes: work and earning, learning new skills, volunteering, broadening horizons through travel, and preparing for the future.
- Gap year jobs, internships and UK volunteering are among the most valuable and accessible options, and they strengthen a CV and university application.
- A gap year is worth it when it has purpose and structure; an unplanned year is the main risk to weigh up.
- You can apply to university with deferred entry before your gap year, or apply during it, and planning this early matters.
- At Lord Wandsworth College, the Futures Team helps pupils plan a productive gap year and manage university applications. Book a visit to find out more.
What Is a Gap Year and Why Take One Before University?
A gap year is a planned year out between school and university or work, which can be spent in the UK or abroad. It can last a few months or up to a year, and most students take a gap year after A-levels and before university as it is the perfect time to take a break whilst gaining experience, independence and clarity for their next steps. The key is to approach it with purpose and use this time wisely by working, volunteering, learning new skills or taking up a course related to your future study or career.
15 Productive Gap Year Ideas
The best gap year ideas are those that support personal development whilst helping you acquire important life skills. There are plenty of gap year programmes students may participate in, whether that’s to work and earn money, give back to the community, pick up a new language or qualification, or embark on an expedition. There’s no single right way to spend it and the most valuable gap year experiences should reflect your interests and future plans.
Looking for productive gap year suggestions? Here are a few things to do on a gap year that can be beneficial in more ways than one:
| Theme | Productive gap year ideas (15) |
|---|---|
| Work and earn |
1. Full-time or part-time job 2. Internship or work experience 3. Paid apprenticeship taster or insight scheme |
| Skills and study |
4. Learn a language 5. Online courses or a MOOC 6. Gain a qualification (driving, first aid, coding) 7. Complete or extend an EPQ-style project |
| Give back |
8. Volunteering in the UK 9. Structured volunteering placement 10. Community or charity work |
| Broaden horizons |
11. Purposeful travel 12. Cultural exchange or language immersion 13. An expedition or outdoor leadership programme |
| Prepare for the future |
14. University and course research, visits and applications 15. Building a portfolio or experience for a competitive course (medicine, law, art) |
Gap Year Jobs and Work Experience
From internships and apprenticeships to part-time and full-time employment, there are many paid gap year jobs that can help students develop independence as well as transferable skills that will prove useful in their future career. This includes communication, organisation, teamwork and time management. If you can, pick an industry that’s related to the path you want to pursue. Either way, it will give you great insight before you fully commit to one.
Skills, Volunteering and Gap Year Opportunities in the UK
Not all gap year opportunities require you to travel abroad. Many of the best gap year ideas can be done locally, such as learning a new language (French, Spanish, etc.), completing an online course (marketing, design, etc.), or gaining a qualification like first aid, driving or coding. As for volunteering, lots of gap year programmes allow you to choose a cause that matters to you, be it wildlife conservation, working at an animal shelter, community projects, teaching at schools and more.
Travel and Broadening Horizons
Travel can be one of the most rewarding gap year experiences, especially when you combine it with another purpose. For example, learning German in Germany, working as a children’s ski instructor in Austria, interning at a fashion house in France, teaching English in Cambodia, embarking on an expedition in India, and more. It’s a great way to experience different cultures and gain new perspectives before you step into university.
Gap Year Pros and Cons: Is a Gap Year Worth It?
A gap year can offer valuable experience in a young person’s personal life and future career. You’ve the chance to earn money and widen your worldview in many ways. That said, it works best only when you have a clear plan that’s realistic and achievable.
If it lacks planning and structure, you may not be making the most of it in terms of cost and time.
Consider these gap year pros and cons before you finalise your decision:
| Benefits of a gap year | Things to weigh up |
|---|---|
| Time to mature, reflect and gain independence | A year out of formal study needs structure to stay productive |
| Skills, work experience and a stronger CV | Costs money or requires earning as you go |
| A clearer sense of direction before committing | Friends may move ahead to university first |
| Stronger university application or reapplication | Requires planning to manage deferred entry or UCAS timing |
Planning a Gap Year and Managing University Applications
Not sure how to spend a gap year if you’re also in the midst of submitting university applications? There are two ways around it: you could either apply for deferred entry before your gap year commences, or apply whilst it’s taking place. Each of these gap year options come with its own benefits and you may pick the route that suits your timeline or circumstances best.
Deferred Entry vs Applying During Your Gap Year
If you apply before your gap year and request deferred entry, you can begin your course one year later (provided that the university agrees). This helps to secure a place early so you can have better peace of mind during your break. Alternatively, you can apply during your gap year once you’ve gained more experience. The benefit of doing this is you have greater flexibility if you want to keep your options open.
Still unsure which route suits you best? LWC’s Future Team can help you with planning a gap year whilst providing tips on how to prepare for university based on your individual goals and needs, how to write a personal statement, and how to maximise your UCAS points for university entry.
How Lord Wandsworth College Supports Gap Year and Post-18 Planning
Planning what to do in a gap year whilst simultaneously figuring out your post-18 pathway is no easy feat. This is where LWC’s experienced Futures Team can offer impartial support to all students including international pupils, from helping you with gap year ideas to managing both deferred entry and reapplication.
Impartial Guidance From the Futures Team
Whether you’re considering a gap year or thinking of pursuing either apprenticeship vs university, LWC’s Futures Team guides each student based on their own goals and aspirations. If a gap year is on your radar, the team will discuss suitable gap year jobs and opportunities, as well as potential university choices and timelines, so you’re well-prepared and well-informed to make the best post-18 decision once you leave school.
How To Join LWC Sixth Form
Keen on securing a place in LWC’s Sixth Form? Come and visit our campus to learn more about admissions and all the available opportunities. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet our current students and see how our Futures Team supports pupils beyond school. Whether your child plans to attend university immediately or needs advice for gap year options and suggestions, we can help them plan their next chapter with confidence.