Higher Education
The young women and men leaving Framlingham College are well-educated, well-rounded individuals who have a range of options for the future.
The vast majority of these pupils decide that they want to attend university in the UK – and then get the grades to allow them to achieve this ambition. Most are accepted at their first-choice universities each year and, over the past few years, many have been able to win places at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
Some of our leavers go on instead to a university in the US, Canada, Europe or elsewhere outside the UK. We can offer advice to pupils considering these options, and run a trip for Sixth Formers to the annual USA College Open Day in London.
Starting early, preparing thoroughly
The university and careers team at the Senior School begin preparing for university applications in Year 11, with preliminary advice about Sixth Form course choices.
In November of Year 12, all pupils take ‘Centigrade Online’, the University Course Finder Questionnaire. This provides each pupil with a personalised report that includes relevant information about university open days and taster courses. Every pupil discusses the report with his or her individual tutor, who also monitors progress and offers advice. The aim is to help every pupil discover what’s available – and decide what’s right for them.
In the Spring Term of each year, Framlingham College hosts a Careers and Higher Education Convention that various universities and professions attend. This is an opportunity for pupils to meet representatives from the institutions and businesses that interest them most.
We invite pupils considering Oxbridge to join our Pryor House Group for scholars. This academic group offers guidance on the specialised applications required for success, takes Oxbridge applicants to Open Days at both universities, and runs a series of mock interviews.
In the Summer Term, we have a day dedicated to our pupils registering on the website of UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – and drafting their personal statements. Pupils finalise these UCAS forms in the Autumn Term of Year 13 and, if a course demands a face-to-face interview, specialist members of staff provide the practice needed.
Careers After Framlingham College
Careers information, advice and guidance is offered to pupils throughout their time at Framlingham College, with opportunities for both group and individual support.
Lessons are delivered by the Head of Careers to Years 9, 10 and 11 within the PSHE carousel. In Year 9, pupils are introduced to the Kudos career development service, while Year 11 pupils are encouraged to explore A Level options and their potential through the Higher Ideas program. All pupils are given instruction in using the resources which can help them gain a better understanding of themselves and of the options available to them. Time is also spent developing, for example, presentation skills and working on CVs.
Pupils are supported through a variety of staff in their time here. The House system is a strong part of the careers programme with pupils able to talk to those who know them best, their Housemaster/mistress and their tutor. In addition, conversations with subject specific staff are important, and both the Head of Careers and the Head of Higher Education speak to year groups and individuals as required.
External advice and guidance is also given. Pupils in Year 11 are offered the chance to take tests and interviews run by Cambridge Occupational Analysts (COA) to link their interests and their aptitudes in considering potential careers, and to inform decisions about A Level choices.
Parents, OFs and friends of the College are regularly invited in to offer different perspectives. This might be achieved through presentations to year groups, through smaller talks aimed specifically at interested pupils, or through ‘speed-mentoring’ evenings in which pupils can speak to a number of different people within a career area.
Careers education at the College is established, innovative and, crucially for the pupils, useful.
