UCAS
With around 50 students in a year group, we are able to build a tailored programme for each student to enable them to fulfil their goals. This means that our students are able to follow their passions at the most prestigious universities. In 2025, for instance, 10% of the cohort went to Oxbridge, with Imperial, UCL Durham, Edinburgh, Warwick, Bristol and numerous other prestigious Russell Group destinations represented. Indeed, they are pursuing a huge range of options with an almost perfect 50/50 split between humanities and STEM subjects – from English, History, PPE, Law, Fine Art and International Relations to Economics, Finance, Architecture, Medicine, Physics and Engineering.
This is the culmination of careful planning and execution in Lower 6 (Year 12) to allow our students to stand out from the crowd:
Course: 10 Things to Do Before You Apply for University
This course is designed in house and it enables students to shine by building a portfolio of achievements tailored to a particular degree or path that tangibly prove a student’s commitment and ability. Each student works with their Tutor, Head of Department and the Director of Sixth Form to work out the right path for them.
Open events, visiting speakers and workshops
Attending the UCAS Discovery event and other Open Days provides our students with the opportunity to meet representatives from universities around the country. Additionally, speakers from the university sector, our own alumnae and parent body regularly visit to share their insights.
Extended Project Qualification
Students use the Extended Project Qualification to showcase both their interest in and aptitude for their chosen course. With its emphasis on high quality research skills and independent study, it is highly valued by universities as it provides first-rate training.
Academic extension opportunities
Our subject specialists with outstanding qualifications themselves are constantly seeking opportunities for stretch and challenge, from attending the Chalke Valley History Festival to dissecting plays with experts from The Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford to participating in a multitude of STEM Olympiads.
UCAS application support
Filling out the UCAS application can be daunting. The collective experience of our Tutors, Heads of Department and the Director of Sixth Form, however, mean students can devise a bespoke strategy to maximise their chances and truly showcase their individual talents.
Admissions tests
A key factor in entry for the most competitive university courses is admissions tests. Our subject experts provide individual support and we often draw on our alumnae and tried and tested online resources to fine tune students’ skills.
Interview practice
All students receive interview skills training – this includes the traditional questioning but also modern variations such as psychometric testing and group interview tasks, as well as bringing in external providers to run a mock interview centre. Students preparing for university interviews will also take part in individual interview practice.
Work experience
Many courses either require work experience or benefit from it. The Director of Sixth Form and our Head of Careers work together to place students, arranging work experience through friends of the school, parents and our alumnae.
Our rich co-curricular programme
From building a business in Young Enterprise, debating in Model United Nations to finding the courage to perform in sport, musicals, plays, dance competitions and array of musical ensembles, students are prepared for life. This is often recognised in formal qualifications.
In sum, each young woman is given the opportunity to widen their horizons, explore future opportunities and identify their goal. From that point we work together to fulfil that goal, and, as our university destinations and courses prove, we have a track record of success.
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