Life After Sixth Form

Next Steps

Students who enter the Sixth Form at The Blandford School receive excellent guidance to prepare them for their progression choices. So whether students wish to continue in higher education or to seek employment or apprenticeships, they receive advice through the Progression Programme which begins in Year 12 and continues into Year 13. In Year 12, students are introduced to progression through a series of linked tutor periods which outline the ways in which they can start researching areas of interest. All students are invited to go on a trip to the University of Bath in October which gets them started on what to look for in a university and how to make their application stand out from the crowd.  Some students on level 3 courses will choose to look at University and will begin their research by using the https://www.unifrog.org/ and www.ucas.com websites. Others will want to look into apprenticeships or employment. The Autumn and Spring term of Year 13 is a good time to start looking into higher level apprenticeships (those suitable for 18 year old students on A level and CTEC  courses). Alternatively, students who want to enter employment immediately after A levels will be supported by our Careers Adviser and help from the Sixth form tutor team. Level 2 students will be advised on vocational courses at local colleges, apprenticeships or employment. Some Level 2 students also use their BTEC qualifications as a stepping stone to A level and Level 3 vocational study at TBS. Once students who want to go on to university start to research areas that they are interested in, they are encouraged to attend Open Days and research courses carefully. Tutors and the Progression Team help them to make informed choices and support students in their applications. In addition, we offer support through a range of events, designed to help students in their transition to Higher Education. Events include: An annual visit to the University of Bath Students are invited to tour the campus, speak to current students and attend lectures on how to choose a university and super-curricular activities to help your application stand out from the crowd. A visit to Oxford University To raise aspiration and de-bunk the myth of Oxford and Cambridge for students who aspire to study at one of these universities. An invitation to Bryanston To hear about applying to overseas universities Higher Education Fair at Bournemouth University Attended by University representatives from throughout the U.K and organised by UCAS. A visit to a school near Bath for medicine applicants To practise for the university interviews Invitation to numerous events to prepare for certain university courses/apprenticeships Including allied health care professions, the fashion industry, arts courses, finance and accountancy. A Progression Day Giving students clear advice on writing personal statements, admissions, UCAS applications and finance. Opportunities to meet past Blandford students With those who have gone on to complete degrees or successful careers or Gap Years. Student Finance Presentation                                                                                  Information for students and parents about financial support and funding for University study Hearing from employers from a range of industries This includes journalists, lawyers, finance sector, midwives, nurses In addition, we offer students mock interviews to prepare them for the university admission process. We advise and help students gain valuable work experience in local businesses so that they are differentiated from other potential candidates.

02/11/2023 – The Blandford School is open.

19 March, 2024

SCHOOL CLOSURE INFORMATION

Updated 17/02/2022

Dear Parent/Carer

On the advice of Dorset Council, due to storm Eunice all schools in Dorset have been advised to close due to the Red Weather Warning in place for Dorset from the Met Office.  Therefore, The Blandford School will be closed in line with this advice on Friday, 18 February and no school transport will be running throughout Dorset.  School will reopen on Monday, 28 February 2022.

 

For Friday, 18 February work will be set for students by teachers on TEAMS.

 

We hope you all have an enjoyable half term and look forward to seeing students again on Monday, 28 February 2022.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Duncan Smith

Deputy Headteacher

19 March, 2024

 

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHOOL PLACE FOR YEAR 7 STARTING SEPTEMBER 2024