At Key Stage 5 we support students to make informed decisions on, and applications for post 18 choices, whether that is university, college, apprenticeships and employment or a gap year. We do this by working collaboratively with a range of external employers and education and training providers to:
- Deliver careers assemblies and lessons to students and pastoral presentations to parents/carers
- Coordinate an off-timetable morning in the summer term of Year 12 during which all students begin drafting competitive applications for their preferred post 18 option(s)
- Raise awareness of supporting enrichment opportunities, including work experience
- Produce bespoke in-person and digital activities/resources, including study, application, and industry-specific factsheets
- Offer access to lunchtime industry talks (as appropriate)
- Offer advice and guidance on replying to study/employment offers and how to finance post 18 study opportunities
Individual career guidance meetings can be scheduled during non-directed study time by emailing the team at careersstaff@staidans.co.uk.
Higher Education (HE)
Higher education (HE) is any course of study at a Level 4 or above. This includes a wide range of options, not just at universities, for example, students can study HE qualifications at local providers such as the University Centre at Askham Bryan and York College. There are over 50,000 courses available at over 395 UK institutions, so it is essential that students undertake the appropriate research to find the courses for them. The Careers Department have produced a range of focused factsheets to support this process, ranging from ‘Performing Arts Applications’, through ‘Medical School Teaching Styles’, to ‘Studying in Scotland and beyond. To access these resources please contact us at careersstaff@staidans.co.uk
Any students considering making HE applications to non-UK based institutions may find the resources and information on the following websites useful for their research:
Further Education (FE)
Some students opt to continue into Further Education after Sixth Form, to gain more vocational qualifications. These qualifications can then be used to apply for employment or access further education and training including applications for Higher Education courses.
A popular further education course is the one-year Foundation Diploma in Art and Design which are highly regarding by both universities and creative industries employers. These are generally available at Colleges of Further Education including Leeds Arts University, and York College. They are diagnostic courses and enable students to study a broad range of disciplines in art and design before specialising and preparing a portfolio of art and design relevant to further ongoing study at a higher education level.
Foundation Diplomas do not attract the same funding as Higher Education courses, but students may be eligible for accommodation and travel bursaries and the course is free of charge if students are 19 years of age and under on course enrolment. Applications are made directly to each college – application information is available on the individual college websites.
The Careers Department can provide detailed information on applications for FE courses, including the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Please email us at careersstaff@staidans.co.uk for further information.
Below is a selection of local further education providers:
Gap Year Planning
At its core, a gap year serves to enrich an individual’s personal, professional, and/or educational journey in life whilst taking the time to reflect on their next steps. A gap year is typically taken the year between the end of a student’s Sixth Form studies and the start of a Higher Education course or employment, although the less rigid linear trajectory for the modern student’s career journey now offers multiple opportunities to take “time out”, whether that is after school, mid-post-18 studies or mid-career.
The Careers Department can support students to explore gap year opportunities and provide information on the factors to take into consideration. Please email us at careersstaff@staidans.co.uk for further information and/or to make an appointment.
