I’m currently in Year 11 in the UK, and I’m planning out my route into Cyber Security. I’ll be finishing my GCSEs this year (I’m taking GCSE Computer Science) and my long-term goal is to get onto a Level 6 Cyber Security apprenticeship, ideally in or around Manchester.

Right now, I’m planning to take A Level Computer Science and A Level Business, but I’m still unsure what to pick as my third subject. Any advice on what third A Level (or equivalent) would help the most for cyber apprenticeships or university-level cybersecurity would be great.

I’d also really appreciate any general advice on:

• What to focus on learning to build a strong foundation for cyber. (I’m currently learning Python and trying to get to a high level since I need it for GCSE and probably A Level too.)

• Whether it’s worth doing free courses like TryHackMe or any others.

• Which skills, projects, or certifications are worth starting with (preferably free).

• Whether it’s smarter to aim straight for a Level 6 apprenticeship or do a Level 3/4 first and work up.

• Tips for standing out on applications for competitive schemes (e.g. BBC, BT, GCHQ, or other big companies).

• Any resources or courses that helped you get started.

I’m really motivated to start developing practical cyber skills early — I just want to make sure I’m heading in the right direction and not wasting time on things that aren’t actually useful.

My current plan (which I’m open to changing) is to get really solid at Python, then move on to learning about ethical hacking and cybersecurity concepts in more depth.

Also, being totally honest here — I just turned 16 a week ago and I have very little idea what I’m doing yet. I’d really appreciate some proper guidance from people who’ve already been through this path or are working in the industry.

Thanks in advance for any advice!
(And shoutout to ChatGPT for helping me format this — I’m lazy 😅*)*