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Post 18 Options

Applying to University 

At The Cherwell School Sixth Form, we are committed to helping our students navigate the transition to higher education with clarity, confidence, and ambition. The UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) process forms a central part of our Year 12 and Year 13 guidance programme, structured to support every student in finding the right course and institution for their future goals. We have an excellent track record in helping our students to successfully apply for their chosen courses and have established a strong reputation across many Post-18 providers.

Our Approach: Early Preparation & Focused Guidance

Applying to higher education is a journey that requires self-reflection, thorough research, and careful planning. We provide a structured roadmap across both years of Sixth Form, ensuring students receive expert input at every milestone, from exploring options to submitting polished, competitive applications.

Key Elements of Our UCAS Support

  • Specialist Tutor & Pastoral Support: Every student is guided by a Form Tutor and Year Team who know them well. Tutors assist with course choices and provide constructive feedback on personal statement drafts

  • Structured Guidance via Tutor Time Slots: Students regularly receive information and guidance on a range of topics, including university and course choices, personal statement drafting, firm and insurance choices, and student finance. All sessions are recorded and uploaded to students’ Google Classrooms to provide continuous access throughout the cycle. 

  • Open Days: All Year 12 students attend a UCAS Discovery Day to explore the full breadth of Post-18 options available. We take approximately 50 Year 12 students to the Cambridge Open Day in July, and support students in attending open days at a range of universities across Years 12 and 13. 

  • Transparent UCAS Predicted Grades: We maintain a clear, fair, and supportive policy regarding predicted grades. Based on key assessments, mock examinations, and consistent progress across Key Stage 5, teachers determine realistic yet optimistic target grades to give applications the best possible chance of success.

  • Detailed, Personalised Academic References: Subject teachers contribute to comprehensive academic references that highlight each student’s unique strengths and academic potential.

  • Early Applicants Programme (Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary & Dentistry): For students aiming for early-deadline courses (including Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science), we offer a tailored preparation scheme. This includes weekly early application workshops, specialist entrance test preparation (e.g. UCAT, STEP), subject-specific mentoring, and practice interviews with academics.

  • Support for Students with Extenuating Circumstances: We provide dedicated pastoral support to students whose education has been affected by circumstances beyond their control. This includes formal written communication with university admissions teams. 

  • Parents & Carers Information Evenings: We view parents and carers as essential partners in this journey. We run dedicated information events and webinars (see below) outlining UCAS timelines, student finance, application strategies, and practical advice on supporting students at home during the admissions cycle.

  • Results Day Support: On A Level Results Day, we provide support to students who receive results different from expected, either by guiding them through the Clearing process or assisting them in making new applications. 

  • Post-Year 13 Support: A growing number of our students apply to university after completing their education. We provide online guidance to our ‘Year 14’ applicants to support them in making competitive applications.

  • Equal Footing for Alternative Pathways: While a high proportion of our Sixth Formers progress to university, we recognise that degree apprenticeships and vocational pathways are equally valuable choices. Our guidance framework supports students who choose to dual-apply via UCAS and higher/degree apprenticeship portals.

Supporting Every Step of the Journey

From initial university open days in Year 12 to navigating firm and insurance choices and A-Level results day in Year 13, our Sixth Form team provides continuous pastoral and academic oversight. We aim to make the UCAS process an empowering experience that prepares students for independent learning and success at university.

For further information regarding our UCAS guidance or post-18 pathways, please contact Eleanor Nicholson, Higher Education

Post 18 Options Information Evening 2026

 

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Please click here to fill in the Post 18 Choices Evening Questions Form