Higher Education
One of the chief aims of any secondary school is to inspire each and every Sixth Form student to move on to higher education with confidence. Bede’s policy is for all students to take their time in choosing the most suitable undergraduate course for them.
Once pupils enter the Sixth Form our committed team of tutors help, nurture, support and guide their tutees every step of the way in this bespoke progression. We begin the application process in the Lower Sixth with a view to all students completing their UCAS applications by October half-term of the Upper Sixth. There are, of course, slightly earlier deadlines for Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry. The Sixth Form enjoy a series of assemblies, talks and Futures Week during the Lower Sixth. We take the entire Lower Sixth off-timetable for a week in the summer term to prepare them for the rigorous university selection process.
Bede’s is a diverse and multi-talented school and this is reflected in the range of our applications and university outcomes.
There are a great many applications to Russell Group and Sutton Trust universities but, equally, there are applications to International universities, Art Foundation colleges, Dance, Drama and Music colleges and to conservatoires via CUCAS. The vast majority of students gain places at their first choice university and they move on to study their favourite subjects at a wide range of interesting locations too. Bede’s celebrates every success on Results Day, from entry into an Oxbridge college, to gaining a place at Exeter or Warwick, or gaining entry into the prestigious Rambert School of Dance or on exactly the right Art Foundation course. It is a pleasure to work with such talented and committed students, parents and staff and all of our Sixth Form leavers go on to be of great benefit to society.
The most crucial thing in Life is the importance of lifelong learning. Whether graduating from university or completing an apprenticeship, learning shouldn’t stop the moment a person walks out the door.
Paul Gibbs, Director of Higher Education
