Elite university preparation

Students aiming for highly competitive courses and universities benefit from tailored academic support. This includes subject extension, mentoring, admissions test preparation and interview practice, ensuring students are well prepared for demanding application processes.

Early applications support

Students considering applications to the universities of Oxford or Cambridge, or to highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science, follow a structured programme of preparation throughout their time in Sixth Form.

These applications require early readiness, with key elements completed at the start of Year 13. Students are therefore supported through a carefully planned programme that runs alongside their academic studies from Year 12 onwards.

In addition to encouraging students to access opportunities beyond school, including work experience, research placements and university conferences, students attend regular sessions outside curriculum time. These sessions are designed to prepare students for the academic demands and competitive nature of these pathways.

The programme focuses on:

  • Developing academic talk and confidence

  • Critical thinking and intellectual curiosity

  • Supercurricular exploration and subject enrichment

  • Preparation for admissions tests

  • Understanding academic interviews and selection processes

All sessions are informed directly by guidance from university admissions tutors and the experience of previous students who have successfully progressed to these courses.

Preparation programme overview

Year 12 autumn term

  • Introduction to Oxford and Cambridge

  • Pathways into Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science

  • Developing academic talk

  • Academic speed dating

  • Exploring careers in medicine

Year 12 spring term

  • Critical thinking skills

  • Supercurricular challenge

  • Alumni experience

  • Medical ethics

  • Admissions test preparation

Year 12 summer term

  • Oxbridge conference

  • Course and university research

  • Personal statement lesson and workshop

  • Personal statement drafting

Year 13 autumn term

  • Application support

  • Interview preparation and advice

  • Mock interviews

TASS Dual Career Programme

Our sixth form is leading the way with supporting talented athletes in education in England, having been accredited by an innovative Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) initiative through Sport England.

TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme aims to allow athletes to reach their potential in education alongside achieving success in their sport. Any individual competing at regional or national level can apply for this support once they join us.

TASS Dual Career Policy and Contract Agreement

As a school we are committed to:

  • Flexibility with timetabling where possible
  • Monitoring and supporting your attendance
  • Monitoring and supporting your academic progress
  • Mentor you through the challenges of balancing work load and sporting activity
  • Liaise with your teachers so they are clear of the demands put upon you
  • Be flexible with deadlines when needed
  • Be flexible with internal examinations when needed
  • Provide you with notes, power points for lessons missed
  • Celebrate your success to staff and students