University preparation is a huge part of the Sixth Form programme. We have fantastic support in place for every single student, and each year our students are rewarded with wonderful university offers.

Unifrog

Unifrog will be familiar to existing Abbey students but it comes into its own in Lower VI. A fantastic online platform, students use it to research universities, create longlists, and explore their career options.

It is hugely beneficial when it comes to enrichment activities. Our students regularly complete MOOCs (massive open online courses) in niche subjects that they intend to explore at university, and the ‘Read.Watch.Listen’ feature is especially popular with Lower VI. Engagement with these tools demonstrates students’ thirst for learning which is exactly what universities are looking for in their applicants.

Similarly the personal statement tools are wonderful, and help students to create impactful statements which will really impress.

Department Support

Once a year, our wonderful department staff host a subject fair where students can find out what it takes to be successful in that area. Recommendations for wider reading, essay competitions, advice on podcasts to listen to, and which admissions tests you might need to consider, all form a part of this event. Students should come out armed with the knowledge they need to excel in their subjects and be university ready.

This is complimented by regular support from departments in the form of university preparation clubs and a Google Classroom specifically geared towards wider reading and exciting opportunities as students begin to get ready to apply.

Finally students are treated to a day off timetable in the summer term where they choose from different activities organised by departments which are sure to help them find their niche interests as they approach their applications.

UCAS Conference

In the spring of Lower VI all student attend the UCAS Discoveries conference, where almost all the universities in the country are represented. This helps students to move their long list into a short list, speak to the universities themselves, and make decisions about which ones they want to explore further.

Open Days

We encourage students to attend open days for those universities on their shortlists. Students are permitted to take three days off school to attend open days alongside opportunities at weekends and in the holidays. Helping students to prepare for these days includes preparing questions in advance and thoroughly researching courses, accommodation and location.

UCAS Day and Parent Evening

It is essential that everyone fully understands the UCAS system, so we run two separate events in the year with a presence from different universities at each. One is in the early Summer Term for Parents and their children where we outline the structure of applying to university and the support that is available at The Abbey.

The second event is later in the Summer Term, where students spend a whole day beginning their applications in earnest. Hearing from admissions staff from top universities at both of these events gives students the insight they need to wow in their applications.

Oxbridge & Aspirational University Courses

Our students are ambitious and each year we have success with Oxbridge and Medical admissions. This is testament to our students’ love of learning and their curious minds, combined with the expertise of our dedicated staff.

Students who understand the requirements and expectations of these universities and the degrees on offer have a good chance of success, and we devote time to preparing for college choice, admissions tests and interview preparation.

This begins early in each student’s school career and builds as students enter Lower Sixth.

Careers and the Lunchtime Lecture Series

Individual careers support is available each Friday morning during form time. Aptly named ‘Friday Careers’, students can book a time with our Head of Careers, or just pitch up, and discuss their ideas, options, thoughts and concerns. It is so useful to have someone to listen to you and point you in the right direction.

Unifrog is a brilliant tool for careers as well as uni. It encourages students to think broadly, consider how they can apply their skills to a whole range of industries, and have back up plans. Resources range from videos from professionals, case studies, details of career progression, and information about the working environment.

The Lunchtime Lecture series compliments these offerings, as a variety of professionals come in and speak to our students about their own career, giving specialist insight into the industry. Students also have the opportunity to attend a working lunch with our visitors and ask plenty of questions, forging those connections which are so helpful when you are just starting out.