Supporting Post-18 Choices

How we support students through UCAS, apprenticeships, Oxbridge applications and beyond.

Comprehensive Post-18 support

Supporting our students beyond SHSB

The Sixth Form provides comprehensive support for students making post-18 decisions through activities and presentations across both years.

Available to all

General support

Career aspiration questionnaire distributed to Year 12 students in September
Work experience, taster days and university open day opportunities
University Summer Schools promotion
Apprenticeship workshop for Year 12 students
UCAS Discovery events with 200+ universities and education providers
Access to our independent careers adviser and a dedicated Post-18 Student Adviser
Evening presentations for parents and students on post-18 choices and student finance

Beyond the classroom

Work experience

Virtual and face-to-face work experience placements are supported and encouraged. Where possible we ask that placements are organised during school holidays or in our Future Focus Fortnight. Requests for authorised absence from school are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

SHSB partner with Springpod, Futures for All and InvestIn to offer our students a huge variety of work experience opportunities.

Route-specific support

Tailored support for each route

Medicine, Veterinary & Dentistry

Careers Conference at Southend University Hospital
Medic Society supported by Medic Mentors
Med / Vet / Dent application workshops
University-run interview preparation sessions
MMI practice sessions
Mock interviews

Oxbridge Applicants

Introduction to Oxbridge workshop
Support with Early Entry UCAS applications
Guidance around admissions tests
Mock interviews and application guidance throughout the whole process

Apprenticeships & School Leaver Programmes

Get advice about apprenticeships at all levels and have a full understanding of the options available
Application process support
CV, covering letter and interview advice and preparation (including online interviews and assessment centres)
Hear from current apprentices about their journeys and experiences
Have the opportunity to participate in a mock apprenticeship application programme which culminates in a mock assessment centre
We also receive a number of opportunities from our large alumni (Old Southendians Association) whose members also offer invaluable advice and guidance in their fields of expertise

After AS Levels

Summer Development Programme

A six-week programme for Year 12 students covering post-18 research, the options available, personal statement writing and university information sessions on finance, accommodation and competitive applications. Year 12 students will also attend the UCAS Discovery event where they will meet representatives from over 200 universities.

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