Saturday 18th May saw our LVI pupils formally launch into the next steps for their upcoming higher education applications.

Firstly, the University of Exeter gave a Personal Statement Workshop aimed to help lift writer’s block and navigate this critical part of the process. Second year university students, Isla and Saskia, joined us online from their university dorms to answer the girls’ questions about the process and their experiences, with sage and practical advice shared in the spirit of support and empathy on everything from the gap year question to deciding on your course.

We then spent time setting up our actual UCAS applications, and are also grateful to Mrs Foden for her brilliant workshop introducing degree apprenticeships, graduate schemes and a game of personal skills and competencies for the recruitment process. One LVI commented that the morning was 'eye opening, yet reassuring', and we look forward to supporting them on the next steps of their journey. 

On Tuesday 21st May, we were joined by 50 students from local secondary schools - Sheldon, Hardenhuish, St John’s Marlborough, Royal Wootton Bassett and Abbeyfield - for our annual event preparing for the more competitive application processes of Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry courses.

An overview of the process, ‘In the Shoes of an Admissions Tutor’, led to subject masterclasses delivered by our own resident experts, and ended with independent problem-solving, collaboration and discussion as the students stretched and challenged each other.

There was a real buzz and scholarly atmosphere all afternoon! 

'Our attendees are now inspired, and more aware of the step-up needed to secure these competive places' - Abbeyfield Teacher

Ms Laura Holloway
Director of Sixth Form and Higher Education