Careers Guidance

The majority of students in the Sixth Form go on to Higher Education after leaving school. As a result of this most of the Careers Guidance programme is based on preparing students for entry into the higher education system. However, it is possible to organise individual careers interviews through the Local Careers Service, ISCO or by using school resources, if any student wishes us to do so. Our Head of Sixth Form is available to provide guidance and monitor the progress of individual students through the career maze, as is our Deputy Head (Academic) and Gaby Sheridan (HE Advisor and Head of Careers).

Year 12 – Lower Sixth

At the beginning of the first term all students’ course choices are reviewed carefully. There is regular monitoring by tutors of students’ academic progress through the grading system. This is maintained throughout the Sixth Form.

Lower Sixth students are actively encouraged to seek experience of work shadowing and/or voluntary work during their Sixth Form years and receive tutorial and administrative support in this area.

In Term 2 students are introduced to the higher education system in the UK and the resources available in school to help them in their choice of course and institution. There is a wide range of computer based, video and printed material in the Careers section of the Library. Various questionnaire-based systems are available to help students to identify possible careers. They can then use the other resources to follow this up.

Students work on researching choices through the second and third terms with the support of their tutor, and one of our experienced HE Advisors. The Staff are available for individual interviews throughout this time. In the Summer Term all students go to a major Higher Education Fair to find out more about the courses and institutions they are actively considering. The guidance required for making a UCAS application is carefully explained to the students.

Year 13 – Upper Sixth

In the autumn term students submit their applications, closely supported by their tutor and the Higher Education Advisers. Applications are followed up very carefully, including preparation for any interviews, which may be required. When all institutions have responded, students have the opportunity to discuss fully their final decision.

Throughout the Upper Sixth year regular monitoring of academic progress continues as before.

Advice and help is also offered at the time of the ‘A’ Level results in August to any student who needs it.  IB Diploma results are available about one month earlier than ‘A’ Level results.