After Sixth Form

A full programme of careers guidance is provided for you. While most students apply to study Higher Education degree courses, we also offer support and guidance for those seeking alternatives including apprenticeships and full-time paid work after leaving school. You will have the opportunity to join a Google Classroom dedicated to career opportunities that you are encouraged to join and review regularly. In addition, all Year 12 students are encouraged to take advantage of the regular Wednesday afternoon enrichment opportunities, during which a number of external speakers are invited to present on their chosen career paths. We work alongside Youth Connexions who provide advice and guidance for young people as they consider their post-18 options.

For students considering Higher Education, your university application needs to be completed by November of Year 13 and sent to UCAS. We begin the process with our ‘Post-18 Pathways’ evening for you and your parents held towards the end of April/beginning of May of Year 12, during which we present an overview of Higher Education and Apprenticeship opportunities. We also dedicate time during the following weeks to provide further support for you. Preparatory work should be undertaken during the Summer holiday so that you are in a position to make necessary adjustments to and conclude your Post-18 application by our November deadline. Every Sixth Form student receives a Higher Education support booklet and detailed guidance on how to use ‘UCAS apply’ on-line.

You will have the opportunity to visit a maximum of three universities on open days during term time and we require a written request prior to each visit. Some universities and courses will call you for interview on a formal or informal basis. We ask your parents/carers to inform us in advance of this necessary absence by letter/email.

For students considering an Oxbridge application (which also includes Medicine, Veterinary science or Dentistry at any UK institution), we provide a separate support programme to help you prepare for your application that begins at the start of the summer term in Year 12. We also offer guidance on preparation for University interviews, including mock interviews conducted by external partners.

Apprenticeships

The Which Complete Guide to Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship Application Guide

University

The University Application Process

Ross has secured an apprenticeship with M&G, Savings &Investments, London. It is a Level 4 Business Analyst qualification, with the company BPP undertaking the actual apprenticeship side of it. He will undertake an18 month course in which he can be enrolled into M&G as a permanent employee if all goes well regarding his studies and work. His time is split 80% work/20% study, so one day a week is strictly study with no work. Ross undertakes a hybrid working system, so it’s a very flexible system, regarding working from home and in the office. Ross underwent a 6 stage application process to secure his position!

Rosie has secured a 3 year Level 4 Apprenticeship in Management Consulting with IBM, following a 5 hour telephone interview.

Eva is working for Cancer Research UK on an 18 months Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration, hoping to convert it to a Level 4 or above in Events Management once she has completed the Level 3. Eva filled in lots of application forms, then had to answer audio-based questions followed by a 45 minute in-person interview in order to secure the role.

Jonah had an offer of Chartered Management apprenticeship with AON, a Higher apprenticeship but they will fund any education he chooses for 12-18 months. He also had a final interview with Amazon for a degree apprenticeship in Client Relationship.

Two students who completed Year 13 at Richard Hale have joined the staff whilst they take a gap year before starting university in 2023. George is supporting students with their studies in the Maths and Economics departments. Cian is working within the Student Support Centre as a Teaching Assistant. He provides support for students in a range of lessons and before school, at break and lunch.

Caelum is undertaking a Degree Apprenticeship at Stevenage Science Park with Catapult Cell and Gene Therapy. He is an Operations and Quality Technician Apprentice

Saad’s offer is a 48-month-long programme where he works in Data Curation and Integration to gain a degree in Data Science from Anglia Ruskin University whilst working at Roche.

His feedback on the application process is here:

“I have several experiences with applying for degree apprenticeships. They are all different which is probably one of the difficult things about applying as it means you often find yourself repeating the same thing (I know for certain I had more than enough competency-based interviews), or having to do something you are completely unfamiliar with. For Roche, I filled in an online application which after being reviewed meant I was invited for a video interview. This is where I watch some videos with questions and have to record my answer. After that, I was invited to an assessment centre. This was the first time I had done something face to face with everything else being online so far. The assessment centre consisted of a Logical Test, then giving a presentation I had prepared earlier, doing some short interviews and finally a group task.”

Joe is a Construction Apprentice, employed by The Hill Group. This is a 5 year apprenticeship with a day a week to complete his Degree, under Westminster University.

One former student has joined the staff to work during his gap year as a Maths and Economics instructor.

80% of students in Year 13 who applied to university gained a place at their first choice institution. Six students gained places at their insurance choice and one through Clearing. Students secured places at a wide range of institutions on a whole host of courses. Two students secured Oxbridge places to study medicine and computer science, while we also have students who have gone on to study natural sciences, mathematics, English, chemistry, psychology and a whole range of other subjects. A third of the students will be attending Russell Group universities.  Most importantly students have secured places at institutions that they feel will provide them with the qualifications and experience they desire.