By Isaac and Sophia, Head Students
At Sixth Form, we’re really fortunate to have a wide range of careers and higher education opportunities built into our time here, with support available to help whenever needed and tailored to our individual needs. Sidcot’s programme and support has given us the chance to explore all sorts of routes, whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or stepping into the world of work after Sixth Form.
Trips and events have played a big part in helping us decide on our future paths. The UCAS fair provided us with a real sense of the range of universities and courses available, offering an opportunity to speak directly with the universities and ask any questions. Visiting Cardiff University at the start of Year 12 then allowed us to experience one of these many universities, helping us to picture what student life might be like and understand more clearly what different universities can offer. Similarly, the ASPIRE trip to Oxford University provided specialised support for those considering early applications to highly competitive universities. These visits really helped to shape our decisions and made the process feel less overwhelming.
We’ve also had regular career talks that demonstrate just how many different pathways are available. From apprenticeships with Thatchers Cider to studying abroad, these sessions have encouraged us to think more widely about our options. Careers Week stood out as an opportunity to hear directly from professionals, whose personal stories and advice provided us with practical ideas for our own futures. For Year 12, a session with FutureSmart Careers focused on the importance of networking, highlighting how learning from professionals and making connections can be key to securing opportunities, such as work experience. We were also given practical tips to build confidence, such as listening actively, asking thoughtful questions, and showing genuine interest. This was followed by a LinkedIn workshop, which highlighted the importance of creating a professional profile, as we found that 9 out of 10 employers now use the platform to recruit potential employees.
One of the most valuable parts of the programme has been the one-to-one guidance we receive from Mrs Pike, our Head of Careers. These meetings are tailored to each of us and available when needed, so no matter where or what you are aiming for, you get advice that matches your own goals. Alongside this, we’ve had access to resources such as Unifrog, which makes researching courses, careers, and apprenticeships much more straightforward and provides us with the tools to track everything in one place. This support works in conjunction with the support of the tutors and individual careers advisors allocated to Year 13, who are available to answer any questions and offer advice, which has been especially valuable for writing personal statements.
Overall, the careers and higher education support in Sixth Form has been invaluable in preparing us for life after school. From trips and university events to individual guidance and talks, we’ve been given the tools to explore every option with confidence and clarity. Whether aiming for university, an apprenticeship, or the workplace, the range of opportunities and advice has made the process far less daunting and much more exciting, leaving us ready to take the next step with clarity and direction.