THE BLOG.
EVERYTHING SCHOOL FORGOT.
Honest, plain-English guides on the decisions, skills and curveballs of being 16-19. No filler. No nonsense.
How To Read Your First Wage Slip (Without Feeling Like You Need a Finance Degree)
Got your first payslip and have no idea what any of it means? This guide breaks down every line of a UK wage slip for 16 to 19 year olds in plain English. Covers gross pay, net pay, tax codes, NI numbers, zero-hours contracts and holiday pay.
10 min read · 23 June 2026
The Science of Teenage Happiness: What's Actually Happening In Your Brain
Dopamine, serotonin, cortisol - your brain has a chemical playlist. Here's the science of teenage happiness and how to actually feel better during exam season and beyond.
12 min read · 22 June 2026
Your First Job Interview: We Have Got You Covered
Nervous about your first job interview? This guide gives 16 to 19 year olds practical tips to prepare, stay calm, and nail interviews for part-time work, apprenticeships, and full-time jobs in the UK.
11 min read · 23 June 2026
The Real Cost of University in the UK (2026): What Nobody Tells You Before You Apply
What does university actually cost in the UK in 2026? Tuition fees, living costs, student loans, and repayments explained honestly for 16 to 19 year olds — plus a free calculator to work out your total debt.
12 min read · 23 June 2026
Do GCSEs Actually Matter?
Do GCSEs actually matter for jobs, apprenticeships, and your future? An honest, real-world answer for 16 year olds — not the version your school gives you.
9 min read · 23 June 2026