Careers and Higher Education opportunities

All students applying to UK universities do so using the Universities and Colleges Applications Service, or UCAS. Pupils can apply to a maximum of five universities for entry immediately after A Levels, or for a deferred place after a gap year. We guide girls through this process, providing workshops on how to make competitive applications, as well as regular one-to-one tutoring, helping pupils select the right course and institution for their needs. Tutors know pupils incredibly well, and are able to craft references that give every girl the best chance of success. The Director of Sixth Form oversees the applications process.

In 2022, of those applying, 94% of pupils secured a place at one of their chosen universities including Oxford, Cambridge, and Russell Group, with a further two girls meeting the requirements for Trinity College, Dublin. In addition, places were secured at prestigious overseas universities including Hong Kong University. Interest in Art and Design courses remained strong with pupils starting Art courses in Bath, London, Paris, and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

Many countries now offer degree routes to students from the UK and all over the world. For some of our pupils, taking up a place in a university abroad is a wonderful opportunity to expand cultural and academic horizons. In recent years, pupils have gained places to study at European, Asian, Australian and North American universities. We have traditionally supported many pupils going to the US and Hong Kong, but more and more girls now apply to study all around the world. This is an exciting development and reflects our outwardlooking culture at School.

For some pupils, Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships provide a great alternative to traditional university courses. A Higher Apprenticeship takes between one and five years to complete and may involve part-time study at a college, university, or training provider. According to government figures, 90% of apprentices in England stayed on in employment after completing their qualification, 71% with the same employer. Importantly, at the end of Higher or Degree Level Apprenticeships, the candidate has a degree qualification and professional experience – with no student debt.

Competition for Higher Apprenticeships can be fierce because there are often only a few vacancies and entry requirements are high. Apprentices are paid throughout, gain professional experience earlier than conventional graduates and the training costs are funded by the employer and the government. Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries and job roles. The majority fall within these sectors: • Construction, planning and the built environment • Agriculture, horticulture and animal care • Arts, media and publishing • Business, administration and law • Engineering and manufacturing technologies • Education and training • Information and communication technology • Science and mathematics • Retail and commercial enterprise • Health, public services and care

The aim of Careers Education for the Sixth Form at Sherborne Girls is to broaden the girls’ horizons and expose them to a wide range of potential careers. As a result, they are well-informed and confident when making important decisions about their future.

Our provision includes a number of exciting events, including: networking evenings with contacts from a wide range of industries, a Careers Fair attended by representatives from universities, GAP year providers and employers, additional support for girls applying for Medicine, Veterinary or Dentistry (in the form of practice interviews with experienced professionals and mock ‘mini-multiple interviews’), assistance in arranging work experience and subject-related talks and seminars. These events run throughout the year and are underpinned by one-to-one support and advice for every pupil.