Less than half of Year 10 pupils receive advice on post-exam options, a survey has revealed.
The research, for the Association of Colleges (AoC), has confirmed what the Huffington Post UK highlighted in August - that many students are not given adequate career advice.
More than half (63 per cent) knew A- levels were a possible option but fewer than one in 10 were able to name apprenticeships as a potential future choice.
The study of 500 pupils aged 14-years-old found half did not feel they had not received enough advice from their school in planning their future career. The online research also revealed only half received advice from a specialist careers adviser.
Only 26 per cent of pupils questioned were able to name National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) as alternative options, while 19 per cent could name BTecs, nine per cent diplomas and a mere three per cent foundation courses.
Students also said advice given to them by their parents proved more useful than that received by careers advisers or teachers.
Director of education and policy at the AoC said: "The research released today highlights the confusion among pupils about their post-GCSE options.
"They are having to make serious decisions which will significantly impact on their futures, without enough information about the choices available to them", she added. "Young people deserve to know about all of the post-GCSE options available to them."
In an attempt to increase the number of apprenticeships and tackle youth unemployment, the government announced in March they would provide funding for up to 250,000 more apprenticeships over the next four years, and fund 100,000 work placements over the next two years.
But the results have been published after the government revealed plans to cut career advice funding in schools.
Lack of careers advice has not only affected GCSE students but also those who missed out on university places in August when thousands were left disappointed after scrambling to get a place. Students voiced their anger at being left in the dark over future career and further education prospects.
The issue has prompted independent companies to set up their own career advice services in the hope of giving young people alternatives to suit their individual needs.