University Guidance

Applying for Higher Education

Choosing to go to university and which one to apply to is a very exciting and important decision for a Year 12 student. At the start of Year 13 students are allocated to a personal tutor who will support sixth formers with advice, give feedback on the personal statement and write the school reference. In the summer term of Year 12 we hold a higher education day during which students are guided through the application process on the UCAS website, given advice on how to choose universities and course, and they have a personal statement workshop.

Sixth form students have the following assemblies/ presentations related to higher education:

• Preparing for the future (autumn term Year 12)
• Why go to university? (Birmingham University - spring term Year 12)
• Personal Statements (Exeter University - refresher presentation - autumn term Year 13)
• Interview Preparation (Cardiff University - autumn term Year 13)
• Making the right choice (spring term Year 13)
• Preparing for University (Exeter University - spring term Year 13)
• Finance and Budgeting (SFW - spring term Year 13)

Students will also be invited to a dedicated Google classroom each year, which gives them access to various resources and support and guidance for the different aspects of higher education decision-making and applications. A few useful websites to support students are included below. These are designed to assist with the planning and preparation prior to formal application.

UCAS - UCAS is the university admissions website where students can search for courses and research universities and cities.

University Open Days - Here students will find a calendar of all the university Open Days.

Russell Group Universities  - The top 24 research-led universities in the UK. Many Stanwell students obtain places to study at them. If students are considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge then thorough research is essential as  there are often very specific course requirements.

Medicine - Students thinking of applying for Medicine should visit the link which provides some useful information about the application process. 

Student Finance Wales - University can be expensive and it is important for students and their families to determine costs incurred beforehand. The following link provides useful guidance for families and students about financing courses, as well as the various financial support available. 

Unistats - This site aims to help students make an informed choice about which UK university or college to apply to. It includes all sorts of data including the National Student Survey.