University, Apprenticeship & Career Preparation
We understand that young people need guidance when deciding whether to apply for universities, apprenticeships or careers at the end of Year 13. As a consequence, our bespoke programme of support is individually tailored to enable all students make aspirational and informed decisions about their next steps.
Please use the expandable sections below to find out more:
We have a dedicated in-school Careers Advisor who is available to help students reflect upon their interests and consider different post-18 pathways available to them. Members of the Sixth Form Team, including our specialist UCAS and Apprenticeship Advisor and UCAS Administrator, are highly experienced in providing students with appropriate advice and support. Year 12 students partaking in our Work Experience Programme at the end of the Summer Term are able to gain further insight into possible future careers. We invite external speakers from a range of vocations and organisations to speak with our students about their experiences of the world of work and opportunities for career progression.
Students are provided with careers information and guidance about the university and apprenticeship application process from the beginning of Year 12. This information is delivered through morning registrations, assemblies, PSHE lessons and in 1-2-1 meetings with UCAS and Apprenticeship specialists. Parents/Carers are also invited to attend an Information Evening at the start of Year 12, where the UCAS and Apprenticeship programme of support for students is introduced.
All students have access to Unifrog; a platform which helps students compare every university, apprenticeship, and Further Education course, and apply successfully for the best opportunities. Our experienced Sixth Form Tutors support our students with navigating Unifrog, share appropriate resources with them and aid personal statement writing. Parents/Carers also have access to Unifrog, which serves as a helpful tool to search for possible universities and apprenticeships.
Parents/carers are invited to attend our Year 12 Higher Education Progression Evening, which takes place at the beginning of the Summer Term. Alumni guest speakers play important roles during these evenings, sharing invaluable advice for students before the application processes begin. A Year 12 visit to Skills London at the ExCeL Centre usually takes place at the end of the Autumn term, for students interested in applying for Apprenticeships. University visits are also arranged at the end of the Summer term, to help students to decide upon where they would like to study and which course, if they wish to pursue Higher Education.
We have two or three successful applications to Oxford or Cambridge University every year. When preparing for Oxbridge applications and interviews, students are provided with specialist guidance and support from our highly experienced Oxbridge Coordinator, who also oversees the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) programme. Further information about the Oxbridge Pathway can be found here.
It is particularly important that students receive a reference which reflects their personal character, interests and achievements. The Sixth Form Team and Form Tutors work closely with students to build trusting relationships, to ensure their references are as personalised as possible. By the end of Year 12, all students will have at least one 1-2-1 interview about their university choices and future aspirations, with an experienced member of staff. We understand that a number of students may experience extenuating circumstances during their time with us at Sixth Form, which may cause uncertainty surrounding their next steps. Our aim is to remove any barriers which young people may face, to enable them to achieve the best possible outcomes and progress to their chosen post-18 pathways.
