Year 12 have also been focusing on their next steps, with a clearly defined timetable of expectations laid out to them by Mr Hope. For many, university will be their target. To help students understand the myriad institutions and courses available, they will attend a Higher Education Exhibition at Brunel University and have opportunities to hear speakers from Cardiff University, the University of Birmingham, Southampton University and the University of Reading.

Going to university open days will be essential over the coming months to help narrow down their choices. Central to the UCAS process is the writing of a compelling personal statement which highlights the strengths, skills, talents and qualities each student has. The first draft will be written by the end of the summer term to enable prompt applications in the autumn term. At each stage a bespoke and individual approach will be taken by subject teachers, tutors and myself. Not all students wish to pursue higher education and they will receive similar tailored support as they look for apprenticeships, employment or a purposeful gap year. 

Aiming high is integral to our approach in Sixth Form and one young man in Year 12 who has done exactly that is Max Keller, already selected to represent Germany at U18 level at rugby, who has now been picked to play for the U18 West of England team as well. He is incredibly modest about his abilities and as such, deserves our congratulations on his achievements and the manner in which he conducts himself. Well done, Max and well done to each of our students as they strive to be their best selves.