For a long time Gap Years had a stigma about them. Many schools, colleges and sixth form centres around Britain used to deter students from taking a gap year on the grounds that it would dampen their possibilities of getting into their first choice of University.

Recently it has been shown that a structured break from formal education has proven to be of huge benefit to individuals with Universities preferring candidates with a broad range of experience. Nowadays major universities actively encourage prospective students and those in their final year to take a year out, gain some experience of the world and broaden horizons. This has proven to bring more opportunities to students especially considering that almost 30% of businesses in the United Kingdom actively encourage it amongst their staff as a means of bringing back a fresh perspective.

It has also been proven that gap years help individuals to develop their strength, improve their communication skills and bring out a true self confidence sought after by employers and universities alike. This approach has become popular with parents and teachers alike as a means of improving CVs and personal statements with extensive experience overseas. Most see such a year out as essential for personal, professional and educational development.

‘Time out or burn out’ – A famous quote from the admissions tutor of Harvard University in America, taking the official stance of encouraging a gap year.