Post-18 Pathways

Post‑18 Guidance at Newlands

At Newlands, we are committed to ensuring every student leaves the Sixth Form with clarity, confidence and a well‑supported plan for their future. Our specialist staff have many years of experience guiding students towards a wide range of destinations — from prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and the Russell Group, to competitive Degree Apprenticeships, specialist schools, employment and purposeful gap years.

While the majority of our students progress to university, we recognise that this is not the right path for everyone. Our role is to help each young person identify the route that best suits their strengths, ambitions and aspirations.

Higher Education Support Programme

Our Higher Education support is extensive, personalised and rooted in a deep understanding of what Admissions Tutors are looking for. Students receive guidance at every stage of the UCAS process, including:

• Expert UCAS guidance

• Personalised support for writing strong personal statements

• Access to our University Prospectus Library

• Information and support for university open days

• Higher Education Conferences & Evenings

• Visits and talks from university representatives

• One‑to‑one advice and mentoring

• A comprehensive Oxbridge programme, including links with Brasenose College, Oxford

• Support for overseas university applications

• Mock interviews and preparation for admissions tests

• Guidance on gap years, including deferred entry and Year 14 applications

Careers Support Programme

Careers education takes on a greater significance in the Sixth Form, and our programme builds on the strong foundations established lower down the school. Our aim is simple: to help students make informed choices and inspire them to pursue their ambitions with confidence.

Alongside the support provided by all Sixth Form staff, our full‑time Careers Leader, Mrs Wray, is an invaluable resource. She offers one‑to‑one appointments, personalised advice and ongoing guidance throughout the application process.

Our Careers Programme includes:

• Careers Fairs

• Access to an up‑to‑date Careers Library

• One‑to‑one support with applications and planning

• Lunchtime career drop‑in sessions

• Work experience opportunities

• Networking events with employers and alumnae

• Mock job interviews

• Guidance on CV writing and professional presentation

We also support students applying for Degree Apprenticeships, sharing opportunities via our Careers Blog, arranging mock assessment centres, and inviting alumnae to speak about their experiences.

Gap Years and Alternative Pathways

Some students choose to take a gap year to work, volunteer, travel or develop new skills. Students may apply to university in Year 13 and request a deferred place, or apply after completing Year 13. We continue to support ‘Year 14’ applicants by providing references and guidance, ensuring they meet school and UCAS deadlines.

Websites such as UCAS and Prospects offer excellent inspiration for planning a purposeful gap year.

Gap Years

Some students choose to take a gap year to work, volunteer, travel, or develop new skills. Students may apply to university in Year 13 and request a deferred place (subject to university approval), or submit an application after completing Year 13. We continue to support ‘Year 14’ applicants by providing references and guidance, though students must be available to meet school and UCAS deadlines in the autumn term. Websites such as UCAS and Prospects offer excellent inspiration for planning a purposeful gap year.

Our Aim

Whether a student chooses university, an apprenticeship, a school‑leaver programme or direct employment, our goal is the same: for every student to leave Newlands with either a firm university offer or a high‑quality training/employment opportunity in their chosen field.