Online Resources
All Sixth Form students have access to the UNIFROG website which is a detailed online tool to support students in searching for the best university course, as well as helping students find apprenticeships.
Students applying for Higher Education courses will do so via a single UCAS application. We have a dedicated, experienced staff to help with all aspects of the UCAS journey.
Students will be issued with a personal statement guide, and a help sheet for completing the online application form. We will spend a portion of tutor time devoted to completing their personal statements and applying.
There will be a Higher Education evening in May of Year 12 where the application process will be explained to you.
Check out the following websites:
- UCAS: The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service operates the application process for British universities;
- STUDENT FINANCE UK: Check if you’re eligible for a student loan from the Government, and how much you might get;
- FIND OPEN DAYS: a new online platform providing details of all UK open days for Universities and Colleges.
The key is to start early! It is vital that you do lots of research about your university choice and the earlier the better.
You need to research:
- Courses: content and modules;
- Universities: big/small campus, town/city?
- Grades needed: points/grades? Can you realistically achieve the grades required?
- Do you need work experience?
If your course(s) needs work experience it may need to be over a period of time, not just a single week, so you should use your school holidays. Subjects that require work experience are: teaching, medicine (including radiography), paramedic, midwifery, physiotherapist, social work.
Remember your tutor will be writing your reference for UCAS! Make sure you are enabling them to write an excellent one!
UCAS Key Dates
Personal statement by end of September, unless applying
early
October: early applicant deadline – usually 15th October
January: deadline for the
majority of applications – usually 15th January
University Outreach: Many universities run outreach activities for secondary school students and sixth-formers, aimed at de-mystifying the university experience, or at widening access to particular subjects such as science, engineering or law. These activities are usually subsidised, or even free. We’ve listed a few of them below, but if there is a particular university or subject area you’re interested in, it’s worth checking to see if there’s something available. Do let your subject teachers or tutor know if you’re looking and we’ll see if we can help! You may need to sign up to mailing lists to be notified when new events are announced, because the most popular courses can book up very quickly.