Future perfect

Sixth form is the time to choose the right academic path. A young person’s aspirations, interests and circumstances usually guide which qualifications to choose, but it’s important to talk about the big picture too. Further education is an investment of time, energy and money and you want to be sure that the future value is likely to exceed that contribution.

So, for sixth formers it is important to consider the potential benefits of taking the first steps towards gaining qualifications. Do the choices seem a good fit for their skills and interests, and will the qualifications be worth the investment?

The benefits are many and enable you to:

  • Show that you are committed and dedicated enough to complete a course
  • Prepare individuals for citizenship and involvement in society
  • Feel empowered
  • Network with other professionals
  • Enter certain careers and particularly highly skilled jobs
  • Command a higher salary
  • Demonstrate to potential employers that you have a certain level of ability within a certain field
  • Expand or refresh your skillset or update your knowledge
  • Progress to further study.

There is clear evidence that on average university graduates earn more than those without a first degree. The most recent official statistics show that in the UK, graduates earn £11,500 per year more than non-graduates. So for the majority, gaining a degree qualification can and does enhance career prospects, which over time outweighs the considerable university fees and living costs.

But this positive average statistic masks the fact that many graduates (36%) are in lower-level jobs that do not require a degree (and therefore are lower paid), with many of them finding that they are not well-matched to the job vacancies or careers that they wish to follow after they graduate.

BROAD HORIZONS

Trips abroad serve as invaluable catalysts for the personal development of young people. Exposure to new languages, traditions and customs fosters adaptability and broadens
perspectives, nurturing empathy and understanding.

Navigating unfamiliar terrains and confronting challenges outside one’s comfort zone cultivates resilience and self-confidence. These experiences encourage young people to explore their passions and talents, fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and purpose.

Moreover, international travel sparks curiosity and intellectual growth, igniting a thirst for knowledge and cultural appreciation.

Ultimately, the lessons learned and memories made during these experiences transcend borders, equipping young individuals with the skills and mindset to navigate an increasingly interconnected and diverse world with confidence and empathy.

Source: Camp Suisse

It is also estimated that one in eight higher level jobs held by younger people, considered as graduate positions, are actually held by non-graduates with recognised professional qualifications or compelling work experience and achievements. ‘Compelling’ because while some training and work experience can give you a range of professional skills that other employers will find attractive, often the training provided is focused on the specific needs of that particular organisation and may have limited application elsewhere.

To enter and progress in a professional field (to a higher level), it is important to gain qualifications that employers recognise as being credible and relevant to the role you wish to apply for, and designed and awarded by the relevant professional bodies, such as institutes or associations of professionals.

Statistics show that in the UK, graduates earn £11,500 per year more than non-graduates

If you are interested in a legal career for example, The National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) is one example of a recognised organisation where you can gain qualifications. Its qualifications are designed, assessed and awarded by legally qualified and experienced professionals which all underline its credibility. They are also Ofqual recognised. This means that those who gain NALP qualifications have demonstrated genuine, professional ability in their assessed coursework and any exams.

You may find yourself asking, ‘Do we really want the additional stress of yet more exams?’ Numerous scientific studies highlight the impact of very real exam stress on mental health. Find out what support you will be able to call upon from the training provider and your circle of fellow students,
friends and family.

These days, much professional development and learning towards further qualifications is assessed through a research thesis and continuous assessment projects (including workplace performance). It is now increasingly the case that your ability will be assessed using methods other than exams.

So, if you are looking ahead to the next step for the career you are considering, think about investing in your future by choosing a relevant and recognised qualification which will give you the boost you need.

Malcolm Trotter is a global education and training professional, with extensive experience in post-compulsory/tertiary teaching and learning, qualification development and awarding.

VOCATIONAL OPTIONS

Students who prefer more hands-on experience have an equally wide array of choices. For example, the recently introduced T-levels (Technical Levels), or BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) diplomas and apprenticeships for students aged 16 and 18.

Some prepare students for work through work placements and some through work readiness programmes at school.

Similar to BTECs, T-levels are the new vocational qualifications introduced in 2021 to meet the demands of various industries that require a highly skilled and practical workforce such as engineering, science, health and social care, art, architecture, business and management, law, media, sport, I.T., Early Years education and more.

BREADTH OF SIXTH FORM OPTIONS

Are they going to be a student for whom the traditional three A-levels model will work well? Or might they benefit from the option of studying a broader curriculum such as the IB Diploma?

Keep your options open
It can be hard to know the answer to the above when your child starts senior school at 11+ or 13+. Consider some of the schools that offer the choice of A-levels or IB when they reach sixth form, rather than insisting on one or the other.

Consider careers of the future
The world of work is changing rapidly. Question a school’s approach to preparing students for jobs that may not yet exist. Do they foster employability and entrepreneurial skills? Or do they still have more of a traditional careers advice function?

Source: Ardingly College

Still in their infancy, these will eventually replace BTECs as more courses are rolled out. The two qualifications are very similar, the main difference being that T-levels require industry placements whereas BTECs can be taught solely in schools or colleges. T-levels cannot be taken in conjunction with A-levels whereas BTECs can.

Unlike A-levels, T-levels and BTECs are more coursework-based which is an important consideration for students who don’t like exams.

The choices seem endless at 16, and many schools are very much focussed on preparing their students for the future of work and guiding them through the best qualifications to suit their abilities and aspirations. The main thing is that whatever they do, they enjoy it.

Thinking of university?

Mary Lonsdale, CEO of Varsity Scholars, offers this practical advice ,“Don’t leave it until September to think about what you are going to write on your personal statement. You need to have a rough draft already when you start Year 13. “Don’t forget that applying to US universities is very different and you will likely need to demonstrate more community engagement and voluntary work. Elite UK universities are more interested in your intellectual curiosity and academic attainment.”

Look out for the annual Step-Up Expo which takes place each summer at Olympia, London. It aims to inspire teen choices with an exhibition of schools, colleges, universities and employers to make it easier to decide on GCSE options, 16+ school/college choices, subject and qualification choices, employment and training, 18+ education, apprenticeships, career options and gap year choices (stepupexpo.co.uk).

CHOOSING THE BEST SIXTH FORM

Ensure the school aligns with your child’s specific needs and future aspirations

  • Small classes and bespoke teaching
  • Flexible curriculum – look for a school that caters for diverse learning styles and interests
  • Holistic development – choose a school that has an intentional focus on the overall development of the student, including life skills like cookery, advanced IT skills and CV development
  • Career and higher education guidance – opt for a school with robust UCAS and careers support, leadership development and health and wellness programme, preparing students for university or degree apprenticeships
  • Avoid one-size-fits-all – find a school that offers a tailored educational experience
  • Strong pastoral support – prioritise schools with strong pastoral care

Source: Thames Christian School

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT QUALIFICATIONS

Much has been written about the all-rounder student, marrying qualifications with other attributes an employer is looking for in the increasingly competitive workplace.

As parents, we often find ourselves laser-focused on academic success, equating top grades and top schools with future prosperity. While these are not mutually exclusive to character (if anything, character aids academia), we cannot disregard the importance of character for lifelong success.

Character is not a fluffy ‘nice to have’; it transcends territories, technologies and time. Indeed, the World Economic Forum has identified skills such as initiative, problem-solving, creativity and flexibility (all core character traits) as part of the Top 10 skills of 2025.

BROAD HORIZONS

Are you going into Year 13 and thinking of applying to Oxford or Cambridge University this Autumn?

You will need to show your passion for your chosen subject front and central on your personal statement. A great way to do this is to include some super – curricular projects, studying beyond what has been taught to you on your A Level course, and showing your passion and aptitude for your subject.

The summer holidays are a great time to find areas of your subject you are particularly interested in and identify some projects you can research. Start with booklists, podcasts and YouTubers you like and delve deeper to find topics you would be happy to talk about at interview. Try to find proof points for your research, such as entering essay competitions, consider an EPQ and apply for related work experience. Consider projects relevant to your course that might pique the interest of professors reading your application.

Source: Varsity Scholars

Obviously, character cannot be taught and examined, but it can be built and its development tracked. Life is far easier to manage when we lean on character. But what is character? Put simply, character is made up of qualities spanning everything from persistence, patience and kindness to bravery, loyalty and creativity.

Character leads to an individual equipped with social intelligence, self-control and a sense of purpose. That is quite the shopping list of traits.

However, even small steps can help build character. For example, if your child is lacking self-esteem, frequently coming to you with phrases such as, “I don’t understand maths” or “I’m not good at sport,” simply introduce them to the power of adding ‘yet’ to the end of these statements. This increases the child’s sense of agency, effortlessly activating a growth mindset. Or perhaps your child is struggling with a specific situation: an exam, performance or sports match. You can see their young mind whirring through possible outcomes. Bring in the ‘if-then’ framework. This tried-and-tested behavioural strategy paves the way for productive (not paralysing) scenario- planning. Examples include: “If I don’t get into the A-team, then I will aim to be captain of the B-team” and “If I don’t get into my first-choice school, then I will find another.” This can also motivate
positive behaviour (“If I don’t practise, then I won’t improve”) and deter negative behaviour (“If I’m unkind to X, then others might not want to spend time with me”).

We have worked closely with The Oxford Character Project to develop character-building programmes filled with these and many more evidence- backed activities for children – both at home and in school, including Wetherby, Pembridge Hall, Notting Hill Prep and Fulham Prep.

Annabel Coaker

Annabel Coaker leads on school partnerships with Oppidan Education. Previously an Admissions Director for a group of leading London independent schools, she specialises in the 4+/11+/13+ processes.

WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT

  • Remember, you are the focus; don’t just write about the subject you’re applying for – explain why you are passionate about it, what you think about your chosen subject and why
  • Bring your academic development to life; it can be useful to link your experiences into a journey to demonstrate your academic development. For example, a lecture might have inspired you to research and write an essay or to reach out to an academic in the field. Tell that story
  • Demonstrate your passion; try to do as much independent work and extension in your subject as possible. Tell the admissions team how it has shaped your views and what you’re excited to learn more about at university.

Source: Trinity School

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