How do/did your kids choose HE or FE studies?

[nicknamerunout]

My dcs are still only in yr 7 and 4. But I just want to how or when would parents or kids to know what/which studies are right for dcs? Is there some kind of psychological/appetite tests available? Anyone likes to share their experiences or thoughts......

It's the students choice in my view with guiding advice if there is a specific career in mind (or one that they don't want to rule out). Just let things naturally take their course.

My DD decided at 15 what she wanted to do. That all fitted into place nicely although she had to do some extra curricular work as she hadn't taken the right GCSE subject. That involved some help from the school.

My son decided on a general route as he approached his GCSEs. He didn't know when he applied to sixth form so picked two sixth form choices - a BTEC and a set of 5 A levels (with the intention to only ever start 4). By his results the best choice was evident and he is now thriving on that course.

So, I would say wait and see how their own loves and interests develop.

I've been through this once with my eldest and am about to embark on the process again with DC2. I can honestly say that in Yrs 4 and 7 (so aged around 8yrs and 11yrs) they had no clue what they wanted to do and I would think those who do must be in a tiny minority.
At our DCs' school they have very limited career advice starting in year 9 with more equally limited advice in the Sixth form. DC1 did complete an extensive online questionnaire at school which was supposed to give an indication of what careers / courses may suit him.

My advice at this stage would be to encourage your DCs to take advantage of the sporting, social and cultural opportunities that come their and see where their interests develop over the next few years. If they don't have a clear idea later on, try to encourage them to keep their options open by studying a broad range of widely-accepted subjects at GCSE (they will choose their options in Yr 9).
Dc2 (Yr 12) says that many of her friends still don't know what they want to do after school or uni.