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Life after Leweston

A future as unique as you are

Leweston recognises the importance of providing individualised support and guidance to Sixth Formers, enabling them to make considered and informed choices about their future. The careers programme is aligned with the Gatsby benchmarks and is designed to support all students in achieving their full potential. We work closely with employers, higher education providers and parents to provide opportunities that prepare our students for life beyond Leweston. 

Every Sixth Form student has access to:

  • Personalised careers guidance:  every student has access to one-to-one careers support with our Careers Advisor.
  • Dedicated careers support: our Careers Advisor, Sixth Form tutors and Head of Sixth Form will support students to plan and achieve their career goals, with a focus on employability skills, work experience, university application and apprenticeship opportunities.

  • Workplace Experiences: we help students to engage in meaningful work experience placements.

  • Careers Engagement: students will interact with representatives from a range of different careers through guest lectures, our biennial careers fair, and networking events.

  • Higher Education Support: comprehensive guidance is provided on university applications, including tailored support for Oxbridge, medical and veterinary applicants as well as those who apply to institutions abroad. Students will participate in university visits, application workshops, and interview preparation sessions.

  • Apprenticeships and Alternative Pathways: in addition to higher education, we offer advice and guidance on apprenticeships, gap years, and other post-16 and post-18 pathways, ensuring that students explore all available options.

  • Skills for Success: through the LEaD programme students will develop transferable skills that are highly sought after by both employers and higher education institutions. This programme focuses on areas such as leadership, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.

The Gatsby Benchmarks

The Gatsby Benchmarks define what world class careers provision in education looks like and provide a clear framework for organising the careers provision within schools and colleges.

The Gatsby Benchmarks at Leweston

The Leweston Oxbridge Programme

Students who aspire to study at the most celebrated academic institutions are supported from the very start of their journey. Enrichment such as the Head’s Essay Society encourages the academic ambitions of our students and develops their confidence in discussing theories, concepts and ideas, with increasing levels of complexity and independence. Students take part in ‘Oxplore’ live debates and Oxford’s Outreach Programme, as well as receiving individual advice from the Careers Advisor. More information is available in the timeline below.

Parental Engagement

We think its important to include parents and guardians in our student's career journeys. Events such as parent information evenings and higher education events are held to provide insight into the pathways available to your children and how to support them.

Meet our Careers Advisor

Mrs Hutton, on her role in supporting pupils of all ages with careers advice and university applications

Click to watch

Tips for Writing your Personal Statement

Mrs Hutton, Careers Advisor, shares some of her top tips for writing your personal statement.

Read now

The Top 10 Skills Needed by Employers

Why are 'soft' skills so important and what are the top ten skills employers are looking for.

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Hear From Our Students

The Leweston Careers Programme Timeline

Autumn Term Year 12

Students receive a post-18 presentation with information on Oxbridge applications and a Russell Group university talk about the UCAS application process.
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Spring Term Year 12

Students are invited to individual interviews to develop an action plan to gain the necessary super-curricular evidence and experience for their choices. They complete a personal SWOT analysis which forms the basis of their career development plan.  Students are given support to find work experience, organise university open day visits and begin preparing for their UCAS/degree apprenticeship application. 
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Summer Term Year 12

Future Directions Day: students start to complete their UCAS form and Oxbridge candidates produce a first draft of their personal statement. Year 12 also attend a special LEaD day when they can experience a ‘Multiple Mini Interviews’ (MMI) type assessment, including team-based challenges. This is good practice for the variety of assessment methods used when applying for graduate jobs.
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Summer Holidays Year 12

Oxbridge students’ personal statements are finalised with the support of the Careers Adviser, Head of Sixth Form and subject specialists 

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September Year 13

Students produce a first draft of their UCAS application. Tutors, subject teachers and the Careers Advisor work with the students to hone and perfect their personal statement. This ensures that applications are ready for the early deadline for medical, dentistry, veterinary and Oxbridge applications. However, it is beneficial to send all applications to UCAS early in the Autumn term, particularly for competitive courses as places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Entries for admissions tests are completed and submitted to the exams officer. Students take part in an admissions test discussion and receive support to find suitable practice papers.
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30 September Year 13

UCAS forms are submitted to the school. Support is provided to help students choose a college and make their other four university choices.

 

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15 October Year 13

Deadline for Oxbridge applications.

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November Year 13

Oxbridge students take admissions tests in school and attend practice interview sessions with the Head of Sixth Form. Students have a mock interview with a panel of two external specialists (with personalised feedback); they also receive support selecting and submitting any required written work and completing the SAQ (Cambridge only).
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December Year 13

Students receive notification of interview dates. Subject teachers help prepare students for interview. Students are given help researching possible questions.
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January Year 13

Students are notified of the outcome of their Oxbridge applications by the beginning of January. Once students have received their offers the Careers Advisor then helps students select a first choice and an insurance choice. Extensive help is given to art students collating their art portfolio for the creative courses.
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Spring Year 13

Students are given advice on how to ensure their university experience is successful, fulfilling and rewarding. A presentation on student finance gives information on how and when to apply for funding. Students are shown how to use LinkedIn to develop their professional network. Year 13 students who want to go straight into employment are given support finalising their CV, completing job applications, and attending interviews

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August Year 13

On A Level results day, the Careers Advisor and Head of Sixth Form are available to assist any students who have not achieved their predicted grades and may need help with the UCAS clearing system or those who wish to make changes to their applications. 

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