On Thursday 4th June, we were delighted to welcome parents to our UCAS Parents’ Evening.

The night began with invaluable tutor discussions about students’ progress, followed by presentations from Mr Rodgers-Endersby (Head of Sixth Form) and Mrs Collins (Director of University Admissions) who mapped out the road ahead, including important updates and how parents can support their daughters over the summer.

Mrs Collins explained the format of the (fairly) new Personal Statement with advice on what to include in the three key questions before sharing a list of admissions tests and important dates for those hoping to apply for highly competitive courses (like Medicine, Law, STEM, or Oxbridge).  Alternative pathways were also highlighted, including opportunities to apply to universities in Ireland or the USA, Art Foundation, Conservatoires and apprenticeships.

To ensure keeping stress levels low in Year 13, she encouraged students to take advantage of the summer holiday to research universities and courses, arrange visits or plan open days, collate a reflection notebook of work experience, practice admissions test questions out loud and complete a first draft of the personal statement. Parents were encouraged to support the Year 12s by helping them manage deadlines, planning university travel logistics, and ensuring they were listed as the Nominated Access contact on her UCAS application.