Beyond 18
One of the real strengths of the Sixth Form is our ‘Beyond 18’ provision.
We have a dedicated programme which runs for two years and ensures that every student is given the maximum possible support, regardless of whether they wish to apply to university or the world of work. Gaining a degree by going to university considerably increases your life chances, both through increased career opportunities (there are some careers that are not possible to access unless you have a degree) and potential earning power. Coopers’ Coborn has a strong tradition of students leaving Year 13 and going onto university, with around 75% attending each year. We have a great track record when it comes to students successfully applying to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or into courses where there is very high demand, such as medicine or veterinary science. For full details of information related to the ‘destinations data’ section of this website.
We have four main strands to our Beyond 18 provision:
1) University support programme
2) Apprenticeship & ‘world of work’ support
3) Oxbridge programme
4) Medics, Dentists and Verts programme
Students in the Sixth Form are carefully guided through the whole process of university/careers applications through two specific drop down ‘Beyond 18 days’ – one takes place in February of Year 12, the other in June.
For UCAS applications, once the student is ready, they then work closely with their tutors, Sixth Form staff, the Head of Year 13 and the Director of Sixth Form in ensuring they submit the very best university application. The process for applying begins in the spring term of Year 12 when students are encouraged to think about which courses and institutions to apply to. We offer dedicated talks to both students and parents/carers and visits to university Open Days and Higher Education Fairs.
Applications are made online through UCAS. This is a web-based system that can be accessed at home or in school.
As well as completing student applications, the school completes a reference. The reference is written by the Form Tutor and completed by senior staff at the school, including the addition of predicted grades. Most institutions make offers of a place based on the personal statement, reference and predicted grades. It is recommended that students visit as many of the institutions as possible, they could after all, be spending the next three or four years of their life there and university prospectuses can give a false impression of how beautiful, green, smart or modern they are! Institutions have Open Days throughout the year, at weekends as well as during the week. Comprehensive advice and support is available from Sixth Form staff about the application process from the beginning to the end.
A first class careers guidance service is also available to any student who wishes to enter a career when leaving the Sixth Form. The aim of the School is that all students will leave well equipped for the next stage of their lives, whether it is university, a job or a ‘gap year’. Advice on job and apprenticeship seeking is available from Sixth Form staff. Each year a programme of support is offered. Due to our extensive links with the City of London, through the Coopers’ Coborn alumni association, and links with the Coopers’ Company we have a proud tradition in supporting students with their careers aspirations.
