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Life after Leweston

Leweston recognises the importance of providing individualised support and guidance to Sixth Formers, enabling them to make considered and informed choices about their future. Extensive help is available from the tutor team, Head of Sixth Form and Careers Adviser.

The Leweston Oxbridge Programme

At Leweston, students who aspire to study at the most celebrated academic institutions are supported from the very start of their Senior School journey. From the Rhetoric Society in Years 7 to 9, through to the Scholars’ Society in Years 10 and 11 and Head’s Essay Society in the Sixth Form, we encourage the academic ambitions of our students and develop 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 Adviser, all of which are aimed at motivating our most academically able students to consider an application to Oxford or Cambridge University. 

From Year 11 upwards, the Oxbridge application process becomes more formal and bespoke, involving the following activities and events, alongside a comprehensive programme of careers education and support with University and apprenticeship applications.

A timeline of events is detailed below:

Year 11

Students attend individual careers interviews with the Careers Adviser (with a focus on super-curricular activities for Oxbridge candidates) 
Oxbridge information is made available at the Sixth Form Information Evening 
The Careers Adviser is available at Parents’ Evening to discuss Oxbridge applications 
Sixth Form Induction – students receive a UCAS presentation and register for their UCAS account 
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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 Adviser 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 Adviser 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 Adviser 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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Gatsby Benchmarks

The Gatsby Benchmarks were developed on behalf of the Gatsby Foundation by Sir John Holman. They 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 benchmarks are enshrined in statutory guidance and it is the Careers Leader's responsibility to oversee the implementation of the benchmarks.

The 8 Gatsby Benchmarks are:
  1. A stable careers programme ​
  2. Learning from careers and labour market information  ​
  3. Addressing the needs of each student
  4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
  5. Encounters with employers and employees 
  6. Experiences of workplaces 
  7. Encounters with further and higher education
  8. Personal guidance 

Discover how Leweston exceeds each Gatsby Benchmark in our comprehensive careers programme by clicking the button below.

Success Stories

Oliver D

2024 Leaver

Ollie impressed with his music talent whilst at Leweston and, with support from the Music Department and Careers Advisor, Ollie gained not one, but five offers from Music Conservatoires including the Royal Northern College of Music, Birmingham Conservatoire, Trinity College London and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Ollie accepted a place with the Royal Academy of Music, after being offered a 75% scholarship!

Bella S

2024 Leaver

Bella gained an Audit Apprentice position with Mazars Accountants in Poole. To gain this position, Bella progressed through a gruelling recruitment process including an initial interview, online testing, an assessment day with a presentation and group work, and then a final interview. Bella will earn a competitive salary whilst taking part in a four year training pathway which will result in a full ACA qualification, providing excellent career prospects going forward.

Weronika L

2024 Leaver

Weronika joined Leweston Sixth Form from Poland. The two years of determination and hard work paid off when Weronika was offered an unconditional place at Minerva University. With an acceptance rate of 1-2% this was an impressive achievement. After spending her first year in San Francisco, subsequent semesters may be spent in Seoul, Hyderabad, Berlin, Buenos Aires, London and Taipei. With only one programme of study in the first year, this innovative course is aimed at teaching transferable skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, and a focus on class discussions and group work. Weronika said 'I absolutely cannot believe it and I am feeling so grateful for the opportunity that is being at Leweston School. If I was not studying in England, it would have never happened.'

Charlie H

2024 Leaver

Charlie H received an offer from The London School of Economics and Political Science - LSE. LSE has been rated as the third best university by the Complete University Guide, after Oxford and Cambridge, and has been ranked as the top London university by the Times for the past 4 years. Competition for places at LSE is intense and Charlie is absolutely delighted to receive his offer of 3 A grades in Religious Studies, English and Art. After taking this degree Charlie aims to complete a Law conversion course.