Applying to university

UCAS is the centralised service provider for all students applying for UK universities and some apprenticeships (with the exception of students applying to art colleges to do a foundation year).
Students will apply with support from their sixth form mentors, their Head of Year and the Head of Sixth Form.

 

.   Students can use the online platform Unifrog to explore university and career options, make shortlists and find ideas for super-curricular exploration. 

 

Open days
Students will require support from home to research suitable locations, types of universities and suitable courses. This link will provide up to date information about open days and virtual open days.  However, it is advisable to check university websites too. 

Deadlines
In order to process all students with a well-crafted application, students must stick to the timescales below, ensuring they have thoroughly researched the universities and courses of their choice before starting the UCAS application process.

Year 12 – Term 6

• Booking open days and time off, emailing Miss Bowen about absence.
• Receiving predicted grades following exam week
• Drafting personal statements with mentors

Year 13 - Term 1

• Completing personal statements with mentors
• Starting UCAS online application
• Visiting open days
• Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, Medics and Vets applications: 15 October 2025 

Year 13 - Term 2

• In school deadline for all other UCAS applications: 9 December 2025

Year 13 - Term 3

• UCAS deadline: 29 January 2025
• Attending applicant open days
• Applying for student finance

IBCP students must search entry requirements based on their vocational qualification - see the Sixth Form Team for further help

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Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is an opportunity for you to gain skills and a qualification, whilst earning a real salary. Rather than paying for training or a degree, you are employed by an organisation who pay for your training in a nationally recognised qualification.

Searching for an apprenticeship

The gov.uk website has a very helpful apprenticeship area to support your application with lots of useful information and a very easy to use search engine:

• Find an apprenticeship

 

Other useful links: 

• Guide to apprenticeships provided by the National Apprenticeship Service has many clear pdfs to download
• Amazing Apprenticeships has excellent resources for students and parents to refer to
• www.sacu-student.com: Take the spartan test to find career pathways suitable for you
   
• National Careers Service provides careers advice and guidance and will help you at every step of the way