Careers and University

Sixth Form students are encouraged throughout their studies to be ambitious and explore all ranges of their post-18 options, including University, degree apprenticeships, higher-level apprenticeships and training programmes.  These options are supported by presentations from inspirational speakers, our annual careers and university fair “KAreer Wanted” and career insight opportunities at local businesses, amongst other activities.  Year 12 students have a designated week where they source work experience based on their career aspirations.  They are supported in this activity by the Sixth Form staff team and the Careers and Work Experience Manager.  Students may find relevant placements which take place outside of this designated week, and they are actively encouraged to participate as long as prior approval has been sought.

All students within King Alfred’s use UniFrog and this continues into the Sixth Form.  Unifrog is a powerful careers education platform that aids students with the whole progression process, from exploring their interests, to identifying their skill base and related jobs, to finding education and training opportunities.  This all-encompassing platform also allows them to draft applications as it mirrors the UCAS and apprenticeship application processes.  The Sixth Form staff team and the Careers and Work Experience Manager support students throughout the process.  Those wishing to apply to competitive universities and courses have expert support in preparing for interviews and admissions tests, as well as their applications, from our Academic Enrichment Co-ordinator.

Typically, around three quarters of our Sixth Form students go to university, and around a third of these go to one of the top research universities that make up the Russell Group - a figure significantly above the national average.  Each year we have a number of students obtaining places at highly competitive Universities, such as Oxford, and courses, such as medicine.  We believe, however, that the most important factor in our success is the vast variety of courses and institutions that our students go to, demonstrating the diversity in support and guidance given to all.  For students who chose not to go to University, our location and strong links with local employers, particularly in the science, technology and engineering sectors, have secured many of our students exciting apprenticeship opportunities.