Resources & Useful links
In this section you will find a range of information to help you on your higher education journey – whether you are in the early stages of thinking about your options, ready to apply or already studying.
Year 7 to 9
Thinking About Your Future (PDF) -Perfect for students who are choosing their GCSE options and thinking about what they might like to do in the future.
GROWS Steps to take in Years 7, 8 and 9 (PDF)
Whose Crew Are You? https://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/whose-crew-are-you
Years 10 & 11 - Making Decisions about Further Education
What is Further Education? https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/school-leaver-options/college/what-is-further-education
How to Make Sense of Qualification Levels https://successatschool.org/advicedetails/896/what-are-qualifications-levels-equivalent-to
UCAS Further Education Support https://www.ucas.com/further-education
GROWS Steps to take in Years 10 & 11 (PDF)
GCSEPod: A subscription service for revision podcasts - https://www.gcsepod.com/what-is-gcsepod/
Years 12/13 or FE Level 2 and 3 - Making Decisions about Higher Education & your future
Should I go to University? https://icould.com/stories/should-i-go-to-university/
Student Starter Guide (PDF) Our very own guide for your first year of university – including recipes, what to pack, and how to deal with homesickness.
Key UCAS Dates https://www.ucas.com/advisers/managing-applications/application-deadlines
UCAS Tariff (PDF) - find out how your grades convert to UCAS points
UCAS Personal Statement Tips (PDF)
Unite Students: Making the Move to University (PDF)
Map Your Career with the NHS https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/
Preparing for a University Interview (PDF)
Apprenticeships
The Government’s guide to all apprenticeship opportunities, including how to research and apply for vacancies
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-apprenticeships
The Which University guide to higher and degree apprenticeships
university.which.co.uk/teachers/introduce-higher-education-options/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships-guide
Find out more about Apprenticeships here https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
Find an apprenticeship search engine https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
Apprenticeship Resources https://amazingapprenticeships.com/resources/
Choosing a University
Open Days https://www.opendays.com/
How to Make the Most of a University Open Day https://www.unitasterdays.com/university-tips/tip/126/how-to-make-the-most-of-a-university-open-day
Complete University Guide https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/
Which? University - compare courses and universities https://university.which.co.uk/
Do League Tables Matter? How to make sure you’re choosing the right university:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/life/do-league-tables-matter-how-to-make-sure-youre-choosing-the-right-university?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s7qBRCzARIsAImcAxbJ-4S507VXEyrXuuBaTd2_DGwXrCDz2PMQz1u_433FhgZiTNsICbMaArW1EALw_wcB
Finance
Quick Start Student Finance Guide https://media.slc.co.uk/sfe/quickStartFinanceGuide/index.html
Gov.uk www.gov.uk/student-finance
The Student Room www.thestudentroom.co.uk
Repayment Calculator www.slc.co.uk/studentloanrepayment
Student Money Matters www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/
UCAS
UCAS Course Search:
Explore all your higher education options (age 18+) here: www.digital.ucas.com/search
UCAS Progress:
Explore all your post-GCSE (further education options – from age 16+) here: www.ucas.com/further-education/ucas-progress/ucas-progress-getting-started
Take this fun quiz to be given some suggested careers you might be interested in (and find out which celebrities you have a similar personality to!): https://www.ucas.com/careers/buzz-quiz
Learners with a disability
Specific Information, Advice and Guidance for disabled learners thinking about higher education www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/individual-needs/disabled-students
Disability Rights UK - factsheets for disabled students about apprenticeships, further & higher education, and careers https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/benefits-information/factsheets/factsheets-alphabetical-order
Disabled Students' Allowance - find out more about government grants and how to apply https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas
Learners who are are care leavers or a looked after young person
Specific Information, Advice and Guidance for care leavers or looked after children thinking about higher education www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/individual-needs/ucas-undergraduate-support-care-leavers
Impartial information about provision for care leavers at all UK higher education providers -www.propel.org.uk
National Network for the Education of Care Leavers http://nnecl.org/
Learners who are young carers
Support and advice for carers https://carers.org/
Other
Sharpen up your skills with Bright Knowledge! https://www.brightknowledge.org
Volunteering and Gap Years - https://vinspired.com/
Student Minds: Support for Starting University - https://www.studentminds.org.uk/startinguniversity.html
Release Your Inner Drive - https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/resources/
