The week began with two days based in school where students had a combination of talks and workshops on the different options they could pursue, including how to register for UCAS and apply for University. A big part of the application process is writing a personal statement and so students were encouraged to sell themselves as well as their love of the subject. East Surrey College also visited the school to talk to students about different higher education opportunities, which students really valued.

At the same time, students who are more interested in applying for an apprenticeship had a bespoke talk and sessions on how to search for apprenticeship and what was involved in the process. Students were also extremely positive about their visit from Gatwick Airport and enthused by the different possible routes they could take to train with them in their chosen career.

On Tuesday 7^th June, the day started with a question and answer session from some of our former Warlingham Sixth Form college students. It was great to catch up with a number of our former students who have gone on to brilliant things, including teaching in Qatar, gaining a PhD in Holocaust Studies and setting up a successful furniture business. We are very proud of our Alumni and extremely grateful to them for sharing their advice and guidance to our current students on their experiences and how to achieve their ambitions in the future.

Tuesday also witnessed our very first Futures Fair, which was superbly organised by Mrs Langley and involved over 40 organisations coming into school to speak to students. The Year 12 students really enjoyed speaking to the representatives about their possible next steps and were also complemented by the organisations for their exemplary behaviour during their conversations.

Following the support offered in school, the rest of the week included some trips for students to visit institutions of higher education including the University of Royal Holloway. The students who attended were amazed by the stunning facilities and enjoyed learning about what life at university would involve as well as gained an understanding of how to succeed in the application process.

Finally, the week ended with a trip involving half of Year 12 visiting UK University Search, a university and apprenticeship fair, based at the Amex Stadium in Brighton. A huge number of universities were represented along with apprenticeships and students enjoyed discussing their options with them, as well as picking up a number of prospectuses and freebies – tote bags proved to be particularly popular! Those students who attended once again conducted themselves in an exemplary manner and it was a pleasure to accompany them on the trip.

The College team hopes that students enjoyed the week and made the most of the opportunities available to them. We hope they are now excited to research their next steps options and if they need any support with their research, then please do not hesitate to contact the College team. Students can also check our new padlet, which contains a wealth of information here.  

Feedback from a Year 12 Student