Applying To Universities And Colleges

 The majority of our Upper Sixth Form students move into higher education at university or college either immediately on leaving school or after a 'Gap Year'.  We naturally offer our advanced level students a comprehensive and continuing programme of guidance on Higher Education. 

During the Lower Sixth Form year, there are detailed talks on applying for Higher Education places and tutors naturally talk to students about their plans during the rolling programme of interviews.  Our Connexions Adviser is available to discuss plans and direct students to relevant sources of information.  The intention is that all students who are considering applying to university or college should be in a position to make sensible choices by the start of the Autumn Term of the Upper Sixth year.  Advice naturally continues throughout the Upper Sixth year, particularly on the submission of applications, interviews and how to respond to offers.

All advanced level students have the opportunity of attending a regional higher education fair.  In recent years, visits to the annual Higher Education Convention at the University of Surrey have been very popular and successful.

We offer all advanced level students the opportunity to use 'Centigrade', a scheme which provides each student with a high quality computer-generated analysis in which interests, academic background and potential are matched to particular higher education courses.  ‘Centigrade’ has proved to be invaluable in helping our students begin the process of applying for places in higher education.  We are pleased to say that the school commits itself to funding the cost of this valuable resource.

We also organise a Higher Education Information Evening for Parents at the end of the Spring Term which is essentially a briefing session on matters related to higher education.

Applications for universities and colleges are made in the Autumn Term of the Upper Sixth year.  Students apply electronically through UCAS Apply.  This web-based system makes it easy for students to submit applications and speeds up the management of applications by UCAS.

Students are naturally given guidance not just on how to gain a place in higher education but also on related matters such as study skills, student financial support arrangements, money management and accommodation options. 

Of course, we offer a full post-results advice service designed to help those students who have met with difficulties in securing places.