Sixth Form

Careers & University

Guidance

Careers guidance is an essential aspect of school life. This is especially true as students approach the sixth form when A level subject choices, and the variety of career options made available by them, are carefully considered.

The Careers Department in the School Library Resource Centre has available computerised information and a wide range of pamphlets and booklets about the requirements for various careers. Pupils are urged to consult Careers staff before making their final choice of A level subjects. In the Spring Term of the Lower Sixth, pupils take the Centigrade Higher Education Careers Programme produced by Cambridge Occupational Analysts.

Generally Universities make offers on the basis of A levels but AS and GCSE grades are increasingly important in terms of whether offers are made. Most Higher Education establishments and employers require applicants to have passed GCSE English and Mathematics at least to grade C standard. All pupils should ensure that they meet this requirement by the end of the Lower Sixth year at the latest.

Towards the end of the Lower Sixth year pupils are briefed on the procedure for application to Universities and other Colleges of Higher Education. All pupils are strongly encouraged to research thoroughly their post 18 options. This will usually be a University course but may be company sponsored work or a gap year. Help and guidance is always available. Any pupil may receive independent careers advice by appointment through the school's Careers Co-ordinator.

University Visits

During the Lower Sixth year there are a wide range of taster courses available at universities and many have Open Days. We encourage students to make full use of these and the school normally organises a day in the summer term when all the Lower Sixth are taken to a university open day. The Independent Schools Careers Organisation offers courses sponsored by industry. For many university courses, relevant work experience is expected. By the end of the Lower Sixth, all students should have explored their future options, attended taster courses and gained work experience where appropriate.

Destination of Leavers

Of our 2010 Upper Sixth leavers:

• 81.4% have confirmed a place in Higher Education for 2010 or 2011 entry, and 37.1% of these leavers are going on to a Russell Group university
• 8.6% of leavers are applying for a Higher Education place for 2011 entry
• 8.6% of leavers have gained or are seeking employment

Please click here for the destinations of our 2010 leavers.