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

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.

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.

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.

Summer Holidays Year 12

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

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.

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.

15 October Year 13

Deadline for Oxbridge applications.

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).

December Year 13

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

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.

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

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.