Post-18 Pathways - Information for Parents & Carers

POST-18 PATHWAYS

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & CARERS

PROGRESSION PATHWAYS

There are a number of pathways available following A level study. The main pathways students take are university, apprenticeships, employment or school leavers schemes.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Universities help young people to develop the skills and knowledge employers desire. University opens many doors and provides great networking opportunities and equips students with the skills to thrive in a professional career.

University can help to build self-confidence and independence. There will be plenty of opportunities to make new friends from different countries and backgrounds.

A degree will not only give students the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of their chosen subject but also to develop transferable skills such as communication, presentation and problem-solving skills, while enhancing their ability to work as part of a team.

RSFC leavers often choose to study at higher education level to further an interest in a particular subject, or in a particular vocation. Some careers, such as those in medicine, nursing, architecture, teaching, law and pharmacy, cannot be practised without a particular vocational degree.

An undergraduate degree is the first level of degree study at university which could be a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Bachelor of Law (LLB) depending on the degree type. These are standard higher education qualifications recognised across the UK and Europe.

THE SUTTON 30 UNIVERSITIES

The Sutton 30 is a catch-all term for a group of universities with a shared focus on research and a reputation for academic achievement, they are considered to be the gold standard of academia.

University of Bath

The University of Birmingham

University of Bristol

University of Cambridge

Cardiff University

Durham University

The University of Edinburgh

University of Exeter

University of Glasgow

Imperial College London

King’s College London (University of London)

Lancaster University

University of Leeds

University of Leicester

The University of Liverpool

LSE (University of London)

The University of Manchester

Newcastle University

The University of Nottingham

Oxford University

Queen Mary, University of London

The University of Reading

The University of Sheffield

University of Southampton

University of St Andrews

The University of Strathclyde

University of Surrey

University College London (Uni of London)

The University of Warwick

The University of York

WHAT ARE UCAS TARIFF POINTS?

UCAS Tariff points translate qualifications and grades into a numerical value. Many qualifications (but not all) have a UCAS Tariff value, which will vary dependent on the qualification size, and the grade achieved. This numerical value is used by Higher Education course providers to assess whether prospective students meet their entry requirements for a particular course. Some courses will ask for grades, others will ask for tariff points.

OPEN DAYS

University Open Days run during the summer term through to the autumn term. Information of when these are, can be found on the university websites. Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for students and parents/carers to visit the university, explore what they have to offer and ask questions.

ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS

APPRENTICESHIPS

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real job, with handson experience, a salary and the chance to train and gain qualifications whilst working. Apprentices are treated just like an employee, with a contract of employment, a salary and holiday leave.

Who can do an apprenticeship?

Anybody can do an apprenticeship, as long as the individual is 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education.

How long does an apprenticeship take?

It usually takes between 1 and 4 years to complete an apprenticeship, depending on which level is chosen. As a minimum, an apprenticeship must last for 12 months. Some apprenticeships, especially those at higher or degree level can last for between four to six years. This is because apprentices are balancing studying and working full-time, so it can take a bit longer to complete than the traditional route.

Entry requirements

Each apprenticeship vacancy will specify the entry requirements and skills or qualities the employer is looking for. Entry requirements can vary between different employers. Some employers might ask for GCSEs, others will ask for A levels and some will ask for no qualifications at all. As well as entry requirements, employers will be looking for how a person will fit in with the organisation and for their passion and interest in working in that job role.

What will apprentices be paid?

Many people think that apprentices are low-paid, and this can sometimes be true, depending on the employer. Legally, an employer must pay an apprentice the National Minimum Wage for apprentices.

Types of apprenticeships?

INTERMEDIATE APPRENTICESHIPS

Are Level 2 apprenticeships, and generally considered to be the same level as five GCSE passes.

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS

Are Level 3 apprenticeships, and generally considered to be the same level as two A level passes.

HIGHER APPRENTICESHIPS

These provide an opportunity to gain Level 4 qualifications or above, with most apprentices gaining an NVQ Level 4, HND, or foundation degree. Some offer the opportunity to progress to Level 7 (which is postgraduate degree level). A higher apprenticeship can take from one to five years to complete, and involve part-time study at a college, university, or training provider.

DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS

(Levels 5-7) are a new type of programme offered by some universities. Students can achieve a full bachelor’s or master’s degree as part of their apprenticeship. These programmes are being developed by employers, universities, and professional bodies working in partnership.

School Leavers’ Schemes

School Leavers Schemes tend to be offered by large companies in industries like accountancy and finance, engineering, retail, hospitality and tourism, and IT following A level study. Employers offer programmes that give people the chance to work towards a university degree and/or professional qualification. They can last anywhere between 3 to 7 years. Some of the main companies which offer school leavers’ schemes include; BDO, Grant Thornton, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG and EY.

UCAS INTERNAL TIMELINE

DATE ACTIVITY

January 2023 - ongoing

May - June 2023

June - July 2023

Consideration of progression pathway in tutorial

Planning and development of personal statements

Progression sessions

First draft of personal statement completed

Attend university open days in person

UCAS registration completed in tutorials

Progression Days - Mock interviews and assessment centres

Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th July.

September 2023

9 October 2023

15 December 2023

February - March 2024

May - June 2024

UCAS applications

RSFC deadline for applications to Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine

RSFC deadline for all other applications

Applications for Student Finance

Deadline for Student Finance applications / Students confirm Firm and Insurance choices.

WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT

A personal statement supports a young person’s application to study at university. It’s a chance for them to articulate why they would like to study a particular course or subject, and what skills and experience they possess that show their passion for their chosen field.

Students may find writing their personal statement the most difficult part of the application process. For most applicants, it will be the first time they have had to write reflectively about themselves. Taking a positive approach, and leaving enough time to do a good job, really can make your young person’s application stand out from the crowd.

There are four key parts to a good personal statement:

PART 1 - FIRST PART

A punchy opening paragraph, showing their excitement for and understanding of the course. What makes them want to study it over any other course?

PART 2 - MIDDLE PART

Students need to give evidence to support their interest in the course. They should include why it interests them, why they are suitable (relevant skills, work experience, and inspirational moments will all sit here), and any activities they have taken part in that demonstrate their interest in the course or subject area.

PART 3 - FINAL PART

This is where they write about themselves, what they are interested in, and how well they will fit in to university life. This could include achievements they are proud of, positions of responsibility they have held, and attributes that make them interesting, special, or unique.

PART 4 - CLOSING PARAGRAPH

A concise statement which leaves the reader with a clear understanding of why they are perfect for the course. Don’t forget, they can apply to more than one course, but can only write one personal statement, so it has to be relevant to all.

TIP:

A good personal statement:

• is relevant and focused;

• uses clear, plain English;

• avoids clichés;

• is original - UCAS’ software scans all personal statements for plagiarism;

• is re-drafted multiple times until it is correct;

• demonstrates skills they could use on the course, such as leadership, communication, and time management.

Students should ask their Student Performance and Development Leader (SPDL), subject teachers and family members to read their personal statement to receive feedback. It is likely that the personal statement will need to be redrafted a few times before being submitted.

STUDENT FINANCE

Tuition Fee Loan

Most students won’t have to pay for tuition fees upfront – they can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to pay their fees.

How much they can get depends on:

• how much the university or college charges.

• whether they are studying at a publicly or privately funded university or college.

Students could get a Tuition Fee Loan of up to £9,250 (current fees 2023) if they are studying at an eligible university or college. If they are studying an accelerated degree course, they could get up to £11,100.

Maintenance Loan

Everyone who is eligible for student finance can get at least some Maintenance Loan, but students can apply for more, based on their household income.

Students are who are eligible to receive State Benefits, and who are entitled to receive the means-tested element of funding, may be eligible for an increased amount of Maintenance Loan. If eligible, their Maintenance Loan will be made up of the Maintenance element and the Special Support (SSL) element.

The loan is paid directly into the student’s bank account at the start of each term. The loan has to be repaid.

Applying

There’s no need to wait to receive offers back from universities to apply for student finance –they can usually do this from February with the student finance England. Student loans are only repayable after graduation, once your young person is earning over the threshold.

Currently, the earnings threshold is set at £27,295 a year, £2,274 a month and £524 a week for English and Welsh undergraduate students. This is the point at which they’ll begin to pay back 9% of what they’re earning over the threshold. Earning less than that? Then they won’t pay anything back.

While the loans do accrue interest, any outstanding debt still owed after 40 years is written off, meaning it’s not always worth helping your young person pay back their loan early.

Student loans won’t appear on their credit file either. The Student Loans Company’s quick start guide – www.gov.uk/repayingyour-student-loan – has more information about how to repay a student loan, how much they’ll repay, and the interest involved.

OTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Maintenance Grants are no longer available for new students, but there is extra support available for some students in certain circumstances

Scholarships and Bursaries offered on the basis of academic ability, household income, or for other reasons (for example, if your young person has a disability).

Fee Waivers these reduce tuition fees, either on their own, or in a broader package of support with a bursary.

Hardship Funds these can help if a young person is struggling financially, either before or during university.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if a young person has a disability, including a long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia they might be able to get funds to cover extra costs. There are exceptions for students who need more money for travel costs. This will apply for both new and continuing students. How much they get depends on their individual needs, not their household income. DSA can be applied for alongside the main student finance application and doesn’t usually have to be paid back unless a student leaves their course early.