Progression
Our Progression Programme supports every student with clear next steps after Sixth Form. Whether pursuing university, apprenticeships, or employment, we guide students through each stage with dedicated staff and tailored resources.
By the time our students leave our Sixth Form every student will have benefitted from the following experiences:
- Attended year 12 sessions on higher education, gap years, student finance, Apprenticeships etc. along with Personal Development Time sessions
- Been guided through the UCAS application process and made an application through UCAS, if they intend to go to university
- Had the opportunity to attend the UCAS Education Convention and individual university and college open days
- Had the opportunity to attend Apprenticeship and Skills events
- Had the opportunity to seek advice and guidance from the school’s careers advisor for support with university and college applications and alternative options such as apprenticeships, seeking employment, voluntary work, taking a gap year etc
- Work experience - Our students will have the opportunity to undertake a minimum of one week’s work experience with a company of their choice, during their two years of Sixth Form study. Students will be responsible for arranging the placement, with support from family, friends and the school
- Trial interviews - Students will have benefitted from mock interview sessions with a member of our Senior Leadership Team
Student Finance
If a student is a UK or EU national and is not funding themselves, they will need to apply for student finance at www.gov.uk/student-finance.
The deadline for this is in May in order to be able to access the funds when they start university, so we encourage students to apply for this as soon as possible.
If a student has a diagnosed learning difficulty or other issue including mental health issues, they may be eligible for a Disabled Students Allowance, which does not have to be repaid, and is applied for as part of the student finance process. This helps towards the cost of any extra provision they need.
DfE Student Finance Campaign PowerPoint
DfE Student Finance Camapign FAQ
DfE Student Finance Campaign Leaflet
The support for UCAS and careers has been brilliant. From personal statements to interviews, the staff helped me figure out my next steps.
Year 13 student
Careers Journey:
/docs/Sixth_Form_General/Careers_Journey.pdf
UCAS’ Guides:
Informed Choices | Informed Choices
Complete University Guide - University Rankings, Guides and Courses
Compare the Best University Degrees Courses UK | Whatuni
Sixth form & college - Save the Student
Applying for a job
When applying for a job, there are many things to consider. These may include:
- Role - your first step should be to consider the type of job you'd like to do. Would you like to work in an office, or do something more hands-on? Would you prefer a creative or analytical role?
- Industry - once you've decided on a role, think about the industry you'd like to work in. Many roles are transferrable between industries, for example there are a wide variety of business who have a marketing department.
- Hours - would you like to work full-time or part-time? Do you have commitments that require flexible working, or term-time only?
- Location - do you want to be within walking distance? Can you drive to work? How long are you willing to travel for each day - including traffic delays?
If you're not sure how to decide on the role you'd like to do, visit the CareersBox for free, work-related film content covering hundreds of different employment and training opportunities throughout the UK
For information on writing a job application, please visit the Prospects website.
How to find a job
The idea of "selling yourself" to potential employers can seem daunting, but it's worth remembering that even the most successful business people started where you are now!
If you're unsure of how to go about finding a job, take a look at the article below from Save the Student:
CV, Portfolio or LinkedIn?
In years gone by, a Curriculum Vitae (CV) was the standard way to present your qualifications and experience for potential employers. Normally a text document, this would also include your contact information and a personal statement.
In creative roles, it is common for potential employers to ask to see a portfolio of your work. This could include artwork, photography, written content, videos, and audio files. As well as creating a physical version of your portfolio that you can take along to interviews, you may wish to consider using Behance - an online platform which allows you to create a digital repository of your work.
In recent years, LinkedIn has become a nearly essential tool in applying for work. The online platform acts as a social media network for business professionals, allowing you to create a profile which details the information from your CV alongside endorsements and recommendations from your colleagues and employers.
Guides:
Create a professional profile or portfolio for job applications | Help Centre | The Open University
Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service
icould - Career ideas and information for your future
Apprenticeships
On an apprenticeship you're employed to do a real job while studying for a formal qualification - usually for one day a week either at a further education (FE) college, university or training centre.
By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll hopefully have gained the skills and knowledge needed to either succeed in your chosen career or progress to the next apprenticeship level.
What you'll learn depends on the role you're training for. However, all apprentices follow an approved study programme, which means you'll gain a nationally recognised qualification at the end of your apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice you’ll:
- be an employee earning a wage and getting holiday pay
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- get time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)
Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
How do I get started?
You can find apprenticeships at any level, from GCSE to A level equivalents, to being part of a uni degree course. There are degree apprenticeships that combine uni study and work, where at the end you earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s, and there are apprenticeships where you gain the skills through working life and your career.
Level 2:
Intermediate apprenticeship - start your future career
Level 3:
Advanced apprenticeships - What are your options?
Level 4+:
Higher apprenticeships - who offers them & how they work
Level 6+ 7:
Degree apprenticeships - Learn more here
Browse apprenticeships:
Search apprenticeship – Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK
Application support:
Apprenticeship Hub Padlet:
Apprenticeship Hub Padlet 2025 Summer Leavers-Reach out for help and support.
