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Today’s GCSE students think they are going to earn £95,000 a year, according to a survey of 15 and 16 year olds.

Pupils who’ve sat their exams this year have doubtless been encouraged by their teachers to aim high - and they’ve taken it literally.

A study by Santander has revealed that today’s GCSE teenagers expect to earn an average of £95k a year when they’re in the world of work.

That’s a stark contrast to the current UK average income of £27,600

Boys are more ambitious than girls. Young men envisage earning £104,900 while girls only expect a mere £85,300.

And if they’re planning to go to university, the sky-high salary expectations grow even taller.

The average expectation of GCSE age pupils planning to go to university is £113,200 a year.

They study also revealed that most thought apprenticeships offered little value.

Only 8% of 15 to 16 year olds consider them as an alternative to university and 42% of the 15 to 16 year olds think apprenticeships provide limited value beyond the resulting job.

Vicky Wallis, HR Director at Santander, said: “There is a massive gap between the perception of apprenticeships and the reality.

“Our research shows that although many young people believe that apprenticeships are not relevant for those who want to continue their education, one of the huge advantages of an apprenticeship is the programme’s combination of studying with gaining professional experience, all while earning a salary.

(Image: Merthyr Tydfil Council)

“It is vital that businesses and government continue to ensure that students truly understand the range of apprenticeships available, and that they don’t have to make a choice between earning and learning.

“Santander’s new degree level professional apprenticeships, for example, offer students a route into a banking career that combines a recognised qualification with professional development and practical experience to give their careers a real kick-start.”

When asked for the most important elements of employment over the entire course of their working life, enjoying the work was cited as important by 93% of respondents, ahead of having a good work life balance, 88%, and earning a high salary, 84%.

The key factors they would prioritise in their first full-time role were a job that would make them happy, 69%, salary, 61%, potential for career progression, 37%, and an enjoyable or relaxed working environment, 29%.