Sixth Form

    Future Destinations

    Your Pathway to Success

    At Bryanston, we believe that success is not just about academic results. We strive to cultivate academic excellence while encouraging diverse and personalised pathways, preparing our pupils for success in whatever direction their interests take them beyond school.

    We are as proud of a pupil launching a business, choosing an unconventional university course, or following a passion to another country as we are of a line of top grades on a spreadsheet. That, to us, is success and success worth celebrating.

    That being said, in 2024 96% of our pupils have secured university places, with 81% getting into their first-choice institutions many of which were Russell Group universities.

    Beyond university placements, our pupils will join Music Conservatoires, Professional Dance Training Schools, Film Academies, and Art Schools. Some will also start degree apprenticeships, reflecting the growing interest in alternative pathways among our sixth formers.

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    Vision Maker pupil

    Subjects studied and destinations of our 2024 leavers

    Support

    Support

    We support pupils with advice and research to enable them to make the best choices for their future beyond the school

    We help pupils understand that there are various pathways into the world of work and our Head of Future Pathways can advise pupils on the pathway that will help them to meet their individual talents and interests.

    Alternative pathways include:

    • Degree apprenticeships
    • Apprenticeships
    • Armed Forces
    • Work-based training or jobs in sought-after industries
    • Entrepreneurial opportunities
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    Higher education roadmap

    Bryanston School offers strong pathways to higher education, with high rates of progression to university and a focus on supporting students’ academic success.

    Preparing students for the next steps

    Year 12 (A3) Year 13 (A2)

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    Higher Education Lectures Begin

    Students in Year 12 (A3) are introduced to a series of lectures designed to provide insight into the university application process and life beyond school. The lectures serve as a foundation for informed decision-making and spark early reflection on individual aspirations and goals.

    Boarding school pupils on way to class
    University and Course Research

    Following the introductory lectures, students begin a guided research phase, focusing on identifying courses and universities that align with their interests, strengths, and career ambitions. They are encouraged to explore a variety of institutions, both in the UK and internationally.

    A3 Futures Fair Event

    The annual Futures Fair is a highlight of the Bryanston higher education calendar, offering students a valuable opportunity to meet representatives from a wide array of universities, apprenticeship providers, and career sectors.

    Greenpower Vision Makers
    Pupils Declare Higher Education Plans

    As the roadmap progresses, students formally declare their higher education intentions, outlining their initial ideas for university courses or alternative pathways. This step helps staff tailor their support and guidance to each pupil’s aspirations.

    Pupils Meet Heads of Departments

    To ensure academic choices align with university ambitions, pupils meet with the relevant Heads of Departments to discuss their subject performance and suitability for chosen courses. These conversations offer valuable feedback and strategic advice on how to strengthen applications.

    UCAS Registration

    Students formally begin the university application process by registering with UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). With guidance from staff, they set up their accounts and begin to familiarise themselves with the UCAS platform.

    Pastoral care
    University Open Days

    Encouraged to visit a variety of campuses, students attend university open days to get a first-hand feel for academic environments and student life. Open days empower students to make confident, informed choices and often help solidify their top preferences.

    Three girls in artroom
    Personal Statement Workshop

    A focused workshop equips students with the tools to write a compelling personal statement—an essential component of the UCAS application. During the session, students learn how to structure their statement, showcase their academic strengths, and reflect on relevant experiences or interests.

    Pupil studying
    Begin Completing UCAS Forms

    With their research and preparation in place, students begin completing the various sections of their UCAS application, including personal details, education history, course choices, and the all-important personal statement. Bryanston provides close support at this stage.

    Internal Exams and Predicted Grades

    To support UCAS applications, students sit internal exams that contribute to their predicted grades. These assessments are taken seriously, as the resulting predictions are submitted to universities as part of the application.

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    Higher Education Lectures Continue

    As Year 13 (A2) begins, the Higher Education lecture series continues to provide tailored guidance focused on the final stages of the university application process. Topics include interview preparation, managing offers, and understanding student finance.

    Prep in boarding house
    Pupils Finalise Higher Education Plans

    At the start of the academic year, pupils are asked to confirm their final course and university choices. This milestone reflects months of research, reflection, and discussion. With input from tutors and subject teachers, students solidify their decisions.

    One-to-one tutoring
    Predicted Grades Finalised

    Teachers and tutors finalise predicted A-level grades, which are submitted as part of each student’s UCAS application. These predictions are based on academic performance, mock exams, and classroom engagement.

    Richard Jones in office
    Send Early Applications

    Students applying for Oxbridge, medicine, veterinary science, or dentistry must submit their UCAS applications by the early October deadline. Bryanston ensures these pupils receive targeted support, including mock interviews and additional personal statement reviews.

    UCAS Support Clinics & 1-1 Meets

    Throughout the autumn term, Bryanston offers dedicated UCAS support clinics and one-on-one meetings with tutors and the Higher Education team. These personalised sessions allow students to ask questions, troubleshoot issues, and receive feedback on their applications.

    Art staff
    Ongoing Personal Statement Support

    Personal statement writing continues to be a priority, with ongoing guidance available through workshops, tutor reviews, and drop-in clinics. Students are supported as they refine content, improve structure, and tailor their statements to specific courses.

    Alice Bryanston School
    Pupil UCAS Form Deadline

    Bryanston sets an internal UCAS submission deadline ahead of the national cutoff to allow time for final checks and references. Students are expected to submit completed applications—including polished personal statements and confirmed course choices—by this point.

    Pupils Respond to Offers

    As universities begin to respond, pupils receive and review conditional and unconditional offers. Tutors are on hand to explain the implications of each offer and guide pupils through the process of making their decisions.

    GCSE pupils in class
    Final Choices Confirmed

    Once all offers have been received, students make their final decision, selecting a firm choice (first preference) and an insurance choice (back-up option). Bryanston staff provide one-on-one support to help students make confident and informed decisions about their futures.

    Tutorial
    External Exams

    In the final stage of the roadmap, focus shifts fully to academic preparation. External A-level exams are the decisive factor for university entry, and students are supported through structured revision plans, study support, and wellbeing resources.

    Sixth Form Class

    Ongoing support

    Once our Sixth Formers leave Bryanston the support does not end there. Our community extends beyond current pupils to include alumni, of which they have become, their families, and our staff. Our motto, ‘et nova et vetera’ (‘the new and the old’), reflects our strong connections with our network of Old Bryanstonians (OBs).

    Tutoring

    Part of the family

    Bryanston pupils remain part of our family long after graduation, joining an extensive OB network that hosts reunions and social events worldwide. Many OBs serve as mentors to our pupils and staff, offering invaluable support and inspiration drawn from their wealth of experience. This mentoring plays a crucial role in motivating and guiding pupils across our four pillars: Creative and Performing Arts, Sports, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the Digital World.

    Networking and careers

    Beyond Bryanston, the school’s digital networking platform functions much like a Bryanston LinkedIn, connecting OBs across various careers. It facilitates successful networking and career opportunities, offering invaluable advice on CV-building, securing work experience, and navigating apprenticeship and internship programmes.

    Karen Welford, Medical Centre Manager

    Giving back

    We take great pride in the generous support of our OBs, reflecting their deep affection for the school and their commitment to giving back. Our Beyond Bryanston network underpins our dedication to supporting our pupils beyond their school years, through a supportive community and lifelong relationships.

    Academic Subjects