Information for students Year 12-13
Post 18 Pathways
At the end of Year 13, you have a range of opportunities you can take:
- Apply for university to study for a first degree
- Apply for a degree apprenticeship or traineeship
- Take a Gap Year
- Apply for work
University degree
An academic course usually at a higher education institution. You learn through lectures and seminars. The course is usually for 3 to 4 years. It will be assessed via exams and assessments. It leads to you achieving a degree. You can go away to study, study locally or abroad. There are tuition fees to pay and potentially living costs if you move away. You can apply for a Student Loan to cover these costs.
You can search for university courses through UCAS here: https://www.ucas.com/explore
Student Finance
You can borrow money to help pay for for university tuition fees and to help with living costs.
More information on this can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
Degree Apprenticeship
Combines practical-on-the job skills with learning. You will be paid to learn, spending 80% of your time with an employer and 20% at a higher learning institution. The course usually lasts at least a year. You can achieve a degree through this route.
You can search for apprenticeships through this website: https://careerfinder.ucas.com
Gap Year
You can apply to university and defer a year giving you an opportunity to travel abroad, do some volunteer work or paid work.
Work
You can directly move into the world of work, earning a wage and trying out different roles.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Culbreth, Careers Advisor (r.culbreth@thelenham.viat.org.uk)
Post 18 Open Events
Universities and Apprenticeship providers will offer a range of Open Events for you to attend.
Below is a link to different providers prospectuses, dates of their Open Events and deadlines for applications.
https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/events-and-open-days.
Apprenticeships can be found and applied for through this link:
https://jobs.kent.gov.uk/working-here/starting-your-career-with-us/be-an-apprentice
Intermediate Apprenticeships are the equivalent of GCSEs, Advanced Apprenticeships are the equivalent of A-Levels.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Culbreth, Careers Adviser (r.culbreth@thelenham.viat.org.uk)
Applying for Post 18 Options
In order to apply for University courses, students need to make their application through UCAS which can be accessed here. Students will need to register for an account.
The below website will help in completing your UCAS application:
https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/filling-your-ucas-undergraduate-application
Once you have received a university offer, you will need to apply for Student Finance.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Culbreth, Careers Advisor (r.culbreth@thelenham.viat.org.uk)
