The summer before Year 13 is a key time in your teen's academic journey. With school out, it’s the perfect chance to prepare for their final year. Whether they focus on gaining work experience, exploring hobbies or revising Year 12 content, the right summer activities can set them up for success academically, personally and professionally.

Below, we explore seven great ways for teens to use this time well.

1. Get valuable work experience

One of the most effective ways for teenagers to spend their summer is to gain work experience, whether through internships, apprenticeships or part-time jobs. It not only provides valuable skills and knowledge for their future careers, but also helps them build a network of contacts and references.

There are many opportunities available, from local businesses to large corporations. Sectors that offer good work experience include finance, law, media and engineering. Universities and research institutions often offer placements for students interested in science and technology too.

If they haven't been able to get an advertised role, a great way to create opportunities is to email local businesses requesting shadowing or offering their services for free. This direct, more personal approach means there's less likely to be competition, and businesses might appreciate the initiative shown in making contact.

Want tips on how to help your teen find placements? Read our article on getting work experience.

2. Volunteering builds empathy and real-world skills

Giving back has been shown to improve mental health, and that benefit aside, volunteering is another great way for teenagers to gain experience in real-life situations. This could be close to home or abroad, and may involve a wide range of activities, such as working with animals, fundraising or supporting disadvantaged communities.

Volunteering not only helps teenagers develop new skills and experience, it also lets them see first-hand that many people don't have the advantages they have. This can deepen their empathy and make them more appreciative of things they might otherwise take for granted.

Many organisations offer volunteering opportunities for teenagers, such as the National Citizen Service (NCS), the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the British Red Cross. Many charities and non-profits are always in need of volunteers, so teenagers can find a cause they're passionate about and make a real difference.

Again, approaching local organisations can be effective, especially if they're small and in need of help. Be creative about what to offer; many would value the computer and design skills teenagers often have, such as creating marketing materials and flyers, writing articles, boosting their social media presence or helping with databases.

3. Explore summer courses to boost subject knowledge

Whether they're struggling with coursework or looking for a new challenge, there are plenty of summer courses and workshops available. These can help them develop skills and knowledge in specific areas, such as science, maths, languages and the arts, or help them catch up on work they found difficult last year.

Many universities and colleges offer summer courses for students, such as Oxford summer schools and the Cambridge Immerse programme. There are also many private providers offering specialised courses, such as language schools and music academies. Online courses are available too, which means they won't have to travel.

Whether it's reinforcing lessons they've already covered or boosting their knowledge in new areas, it should make classroom work easier in the year ahead.

4. Travel and cultural experiences

Travelling during the summer is an excellent way for teenagers to broaden their horizons and experience new cultures. It can help develop their independence, confidence and social skills, as well as giving them a break from their studies and routine.

There are many destinations ideal for teenagers, from European cities to countries further afield, and many cultural experiences they can take part in, such as language immersion programmes, volunteering abroad and homestays with local families.

But if your budget doesn't extend to overseas trips, exploring new places in the UK can still help expand their vision beyond their home town, and it can even be done as a series of day trips. Why not set them a challenge? Can they explore four major UK cities they haven't visited before over the summer? Don't forget to check National Rail for student and adult discounted fares.

5. Researching university and post-18 pathways

The summer between Year 12 and Year 13 is the perfect time to start thinking seriously about what happens after sixth form. Do they want to go to university, join an apprenticeship scheme or take professional qualifications? What courses would they like to study, and for how long?

Once they have an idea of the path they'd like to follow, the holidays allow time to do additional research and wider reading, perhaps even speaking to people who have followed a similar path. This means that at application time, they'll be able to talk about their own unique experience beyond the school curriculum. It helps them stand out and shows they've taken proactive steps to further their knowledge in areas they say they're interested in.

6. Recap Year 12 content and get organised for mocks

Looking back may seem boring when they're focused on their future dreams, but it's worthwhile spending some of the holidays going over their Year 12 content, and making sure it's filed in neat, tidy order, both online and in hard copy.

It can help them identify the topics they find most intriguing, leading to further exploration through wider reading, as well as getting them up to speed on areas they found tricky, providing a firmer foundation for Year 13. It'll also help them prepare for upcoming mock exams in December and January.

There are plenty of free apps and online resources available. Getting familiar with the ones they like over the summer will save valuable study time when they're revising for their finals, as they'll already know which ones suit them best.

Want to support your teen with their study habits? Teach your teen the skills to revise well.

7. Build confidence with personal development activities

Finally, the summer holidays are an excellent time for teenagers to focus on personal development, with activities that build confidence, self-esteem and resilience, such as sport, music or drama.

Sports clubs and teams offer excellent opportunities to develop physical fitness and team-working skills, while music and drama groups help develop creativity and self-expression. If being part of large groups doesn't sit comfortably with them, try something smaller and quieter, such as mindfulness and meditation, cooking lessons or walking groups.

There are many personal development courses and workshops available, clubs to join, and online forums with recommendations. All will help your teen develop various skills and, better still, could inspire lifelong interests that last well beyond their studies.

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