You’ve just finished Year 9 (or you’re right in the middle of it), and suddenly everyone’s asking that question : “So… what are you doing next ?” General high school ? Tech ? Vocational ? And you’re there like… mate, I’m still trying to survive maths homework and figure out what I even like.
Honestly, you’re not alone. Orientation after Year 9 can feel like standing in a hallway with three doors, and behind each one there’s a different version of your life. If you want extra support or you’re feeling stuck, you can also check https://solidarite-ecoles.org – sometimes reading other people’s guidance helps you breathe a bit.
So let’s talk properly. No school-brochure fluff. No “it depends” with zero help. Just a real, practical guide to choosing between a general route, a technical route, or a vocational route – without messing it up.
First : You’re Not Choosing Your Whole Life (Relax)
I need to say this upfront because it changes everything : choosing a pathway after Year 9 doesn’t lock you into one job forever. People switch. People adjust. People restart. It happens all the time.
But yeah… it does matter. Because your choice affects your daily life : the subjects you’ll study, how you’ll be assessed, how much theory you’ll swallow, and how fast you’ll get into something concrete.
So the real question isn’t “Which one is the best ?”
The real question is : Which one fits YOU right now ?
The 3 Main Options After Year 9 (Simple Explanation)
Let’s keep it super clear.
1) General pathway → more academic, more theory, usually for students who might go to university later.
2) Technical pathway → still academic, but more applied, often linked to specific fields (like management, design, lab work, engineering basics, etc.).
3) Vocational pathway → hands-on, practical skills, often includes placements/work experience, and can lead faster to a job.
Now let’s go deeper – because that’s where the “right choice” usually appears.
General Pathway : Great If You Like Learning… Even When It’s Abstract
General is for you if you don’t mind spending time on concepts, essays, problem-solving, and stuff that doesn’t always feel “useful” in the moment.
Like… you might study literature and think : Why am I analysing metaphors when I just want a normal life ? But later, those skills become writing, communication, reasoning, argumentation. It’s sneaky like that.
Choose general if :
– You’re pretty comfortable with school subjects overall
– You’re curious and you don’t hate reading or thinking deeply
– You want to keep lots of doors open (university, big range of careers)
– You can handle longer-term goals without needing instant results
Watch out if :
– You’re already bored out of your mind in class
– You struggle with motivation when you don’t see a clear purpose
– You hate sitting still and listening for hours (yeah, fair)
Quick reality check : general can be brilliant… but if you’re forcing yourself through it “because it sounds better”, it can become a nightmare. And I’m not even exaggerating.
Technical Pathway : The Middle Ground That’s Often Underrated
Tech is interesting because it’s not “easy mode” at all. It’s just different.
You still have theory, exams, and serious coursework. But it’s usually more connected to real sectors : business, industry, health sciences, technology, design, hospitality, things like that.
I’ve met students who felt completely average in general education… and then absolutely came alive in technical subjects because it finally made sense. Like “Ohhh, so that’s why we learn this.”
Choose technical if :
– You want something structured, but more concrete than pure theory
– You like projects, applied learning, practical case studies
– You already have a few interests (even vague ones)
– You want options for further study but not necessarily the “classic” route
Watch out if :
– You pick it just because you think it’s “less hard” (it’s not always)
– You have zero interest in the field you’re entering
Tech is a good choice when you want to stay in school, build skills, and still keep strong pathways open later. Honestly, I think it deserves more respect than it gets.
Vocational Pathway : For People Who Want Real Skills, Fast
Okay, vocational is where things get practical. Like, properly practical.
You’re learning a trade or a professional skill set. You’re often doing workshops, hands-on training, placements, real-world routines. You’re not just reading about work – you’re doing it.
And you know what ? For a lot of students, that’s a relief. Because it feels real. It feels alive. It’s not just “one day this might be useful.” It’s useful now.
Choose vocational if :
– You learn better by doing than by listening
– You want to enter working life earlier (or at least try it)
– You have a strong interest in a specific job area
– You want a clear goal and a clear direction
Watch out if :
– You’re choosing it only because you feel “not good enough” for the others
– You’re being pushed into it without really understanding what it includes
And let me be clear : vocational is not a “lesser” path. That idea is outdated and, honestly, a bit insulting. Some vocational routes lead to solid careers, strong pay, and real independence. Also : people with practical skills are always needed. Always.
The Biggest Mistake People Make : Choosing for the Wrong Reasons
If you want to avoid regret, avoid these traps :
Trap #1: Choosing to impress people
Your cousin did general ? Your parents want general ? Your friends think vocational is “uncool”? Yeah… none of that will help you at 7:45am on a rainy Monday when you hate your timetable.
Trap #2: Choosing because you’re scared
Some students choose vocational because they think they’re “bad at school”. But sometimes they’re not bad – they’re just bored, anxious, or unsupported. Big difference.
Trap #3: Choosing based on one subject you hate
I’ve heard this so many times : “I’m terrible at maths so I can’t do general.” Wait. Are you terrible, or did you just have a rough year ? Don’t let one bad subject decide everything.
Trap #4: Choosing a path without knowing what the days actually look like
This one is massive. Because the reality of the week matters more than the name of the pathway.
Ask Yourself These 7 Questions (They’re Honestly Game-Changers)
If you’re stuck, grab a notebook or open your notes app and answer these. Properly.
1) Do I prefer learning by listening/reading or by doing ?
If you love action and hate long explanations → vocational might fit better.
2) Do I want to keep lots of options open ?
If yes → general or technical usually keeps more doors open short-term.
3) Can I handle abstract subjects ?
If you can study something without seeing immediate use → general can work.
4) Do I want to work soon, or am I okay studying longer ?
No shame either way. Some people want independence fast. That’s valid.
5) What subjects do I actually enjoy (even a little)?
Not “what am I best at”, but what feels less painful. That matters.
6) How do I feel after a school day ?
Exhausted and drained every day ? Maybe the format doesn’t suit you.
7) If nobody judged me, what would I choose ?
This question is scary. But it’s usually the most honest one.
What If You Have No Idea What Job You Want ?
Good news : most people don’t know. Like, seriously. At 14–15, it’s normal to have no clue.
So don’t force yourself to pick a “dream job”. Instead, pick a direction based on how you learn and what environment helps you succeed.
Here’s a simple way to decide when you’re unsure :
If you’re unsure but comfortable in school → general can be a safe choice.
If you’re unsure but you want something more concrete → technical is often perfect.
If you’re unsure but you hate theory and want action → vocational can help you find your place.
It’s not magic, but it’s a solid starting point.
How to Check If a Pathway Fits You (Without Guessing)
This is the part people skip, and I don’t get why. Because it’s the easiest way to avoid mistakes.
1) Visit an open day
Go. Walk the corridors. Sit in a classroom. Listen to the vibe. Sometimes you feel it instantly : “Yeah, I can see myself here.” Or the opposite : “Nope. Not for me.”
2) Ask students, not just adults
Teachers and advisors are helpful, sure. But students will tell you the truth. Like : “This course is intense” or “This teacher is amazing” or “The workload is heavy.” That’s gold.
3) Look at the weekly timetable
Not the brochure. The real timetable. How many hours of theory ? How many hours of workshop/practice ? That’s what your life will feel like.
4) Think about your energy, not just your grades
This is a big one. Some students get decent grades but are miserable. Others struggle but thrive when the format changes. Your energy matters.
Parents Reading This : Here’s What Actually Helps (And What Doesn’t)
If you’re a parent, you probably want the “best” for your child. Normal. But sometimes “best” turns into pressure without meaning to.
What helps :
– Asking : “What kind of day do you enjoy ?”
– Visiting schools together
– Talking about strengths without comparing to others
– Saying : “We’ll figure it out step by step”
What doesn’t help :
– “In my time, we didn’t have a choice.” (okay… but they do now)
– “General is the only serious option.” (not true)
– “You’re too smart for vocational.” (also not true, and kind of harsh)
Support beats pressure. Every time.
Quick Comparison : General vs Tech vs Vocational
General
Best for : academic learners, university later, broad options
Feels like : lessons, theory, exams, longer-term goals
Technical
Best for : applied learners, project-based work, sector-focused studies
Feels like : a mix of theory + real-world context
Vocational
Best for : hands-on learners, quick job skills, learning by doing
Feels like : practice, placements, real tasks, professional routine
So… Which One Should You Choose ?
If you want my honest opinion ? The best choice is the one that makes you think :
“Yeah. I can handle this. I can see myself doing this every week.”
Not the one that sounds impressive at family dinners. Not the one your friends picked. Not the one that looks “safe”. The one that fits your brain, your motivation, and your real life.
And hey – even if you don’t get it perfect on the first try, it’s not the end. People adjust. People change paths. It happens. You’re allowed to learn about yourself.
So take a breath. Ask questions. Visit places. Talk to real students. And trust that you’re not “late” or “behind” just because you’re thinking carefully.
You’re not lost. You’re choosing. And that’s already a strong move.