Hereford Sixth Form College Careers department recently hosted a celebratory lunch for students who are leaving college for a variety of exciting destinations.
Students took time out from their busy revision schedules to come and share their plans for the future.
The Careers provision at Hereford was recognised as a particular strength in their 2023 ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report, which said that “students are exceedingly well prepared for life after college.
The students benefit from a broad programme of career-focused activity throughout their time at college”. Careers sessions are delivered through the college’s Impact Tutorial lessons, where students learn about all the options available to them, from university, work with training, to increasingly popular degree apprenticeships.
Owen W, formerly of John Kyrle High School, has secured a degree apprenticeship with Airbus in Filton, and Tom G, formerly of St Marys RC High School, is off to do a degree apprenticeship in Air Digital and Technology Solutions Data Analysis, with BAE systems.
Tom said that “without the aid of the careers department, I would never have found the course I’m going on to”.
Some of the college’s sporting and creative talents came to join the celebration. Lexus P, formerly of Whitecross School, is off to study Musical Theatre and Dance with Performers College, and she said that “College has helped me develop my confidence, expand my creativity and has allowed me push my abilities further”.
Also, two of the college’s Elite Athletes, Ruari F (English Athletics) and Dan R (Welsh Athletics) came to share how excited they were about their future courses.
Ruari has an offer to study Sport and Exercise Science and the prestigious Loughborough University, and said that “The college encouraged me to go for that dream destination, and gave me all the support to do so!”
Dan has secured and offer on the Masters Maths degree at the University of Warwick, and said that “Offering Fast-Track Maths was a game changer; the speed and challenge was just what I wanted! The Reach team not only help you construct the perfect personal statement, but give you the confidence to compete with the highest performing students in the country!”
Many students have progressed through the college Reach programme, which helps students consider the highly academic and competitive universities.
Georgia M, formerly of Kings School Worcester, is off to study German with Management at UCL, and said that “The Careers team were brilliant in helping me decide which course to go for, with the possibility of booking one to one meetings to discuss my options at any time- I feel confident in my final decision, thanks to their help!”
Potential medics continue to be hugely successful, with 74% of Medicine applicants receiving offers, due in part to the weekly UCAT prep delivered by Dr Phil Evans.
Anna D, formerly of Hereford Cathedral School, is off to pursue her future in Medicine at the University of Southampton. She said that “The support team here is beyond amazing. I had so much help and guidance in preparing my Uni application, with entrance exams and with interviews. I’m super grateful for everything the college has done for me and others over the last 2 years!”
Frazer H, formerly of Lacon Child School, is off to study English at the University of Warwick, and he said that “Without Hereford Sixth Form, I likely would never have discovered my passion for the subject. I also think the calibre of teaching, particularly for Literature, is outstanding. I was encouraged to really engage with and enjoy the texts, rather than merely learning what I needed to know to pass the exams.”
Students not only progress onto traditional universities, but are off to an array of different choices, both at home and abroad.
Katie D is off to study Paramedic Science, and Ava S has gained a place on a Midwifery degree, and Poppy B is off to do a Maritime Science Degree at the University of Gibraltar!
Vicky Orsmond, Senior Progression Lead, said: “Once again we see that the extensive Careers provision allows students to learn about the vast array of options open to them post sixth form. They can set their sights high, and rightly so. It’s a privilege to support them all.”
With the expert knowledge of the Careers department and subject teaching staff, students apply successfully to the most demanding and far- ranging courses.
