What is a gap year?

The definition we are using is 'time taken out of education or the workplace, for a purpose' The amount of time for 18-25 year olds can vary from about a month to as long as 15 months.

Africa & Asia Venture volunteers next to their dhow in Tanzania:

For young people, there are certain key periods when a 'gap' is taken:

Before Higher Education (HE), deferring your place for a year

Instead of going straight onto Higher Education (HE) after school, some students decide to take a gap year. Whether or not to take a gap year before Higher Education (HE) is an important decision to make - a gap year is not right for everyone. There are actually 15 months from the end of school to the start of HE.

You can do this by:

Ticking the box in the “defer” column in the “choices” section of the UCAS application form and go on to HE a year later; OR
Apply as before, but ask your preferred HE Institution for a deferred place when you get your examination results; OR
Don’t apply as normal, but apply to HE a year later, knowing your exam grade

Your choice of HE institution and subject should be placed before a gap year decision.
If you want a gap year, most advisers would recommend asking for a deferred place before examinations.
There will, however, be circumstances in which applying to HE after examination results are known, with a gap year, is appropriate.
A gap year is not right for everyone.
For 2006, deferred to 2007, only 7.3% of accepted applicants deferred a year. So applying for a deferred HE place is not the norm.
You should consult widely when considering a gap year -- i.e. your school, your family and the HE Institution of your choice.
A gap year can be defined as “time taken out of education or the workplace, for a purpose”. It needs to be structured to do it, so that HE and future employers can see the benefits to it.
In the Summer holidays, before going to HE (and not deferring a year), giving you a 3 months gap

If you decide to go straight to HE, but really feel you need a complete break and a chance to broaden your horizons in preparation for HE, why not take a gap 3 months? There is enough time to travel and benefit from new experiences.