Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
Every student works closely with their form tutor, and subject tutors to ensure their university applications highlight their strengths. Our form tutors work with a small group of students each year, allowing them to build strong relationships and provide personalised guidance and support.
We start thinking about progression as soon as students arrive in year 12. All Year 12 stduents attend the North West University and Apprenticeship fair at Old Trafford Stadium in September. Where they can talk to Universities and apprenticeship providers about their future aspirations.
Student make use of Unifrog to track their whol application process. Unifrog is designed to support young people to make informed decisions about their futures. There are a range of tools students can use to do this, whichever year group they’re in.
www.unifrog.org/know-how/for-parents-and-caregivers-what-is-unifrog
The UCAS Application Process
At Sixth Form, we understand that applying to university is a major milestone—not just for students, but for families too. The UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) process can seem complex, but rest assured: your child is fully supported every step of the way.
What is UCAS?
UCAS is the central system through which students apply to UK universities. Each student can apply to up to five courses, and their application includes personal details, academic qualifications, a personal statement, and a reference from the school.
How we Support Students
UCAS preparation starts in the spring of Year 12. Students are encouraged to start thinking about which courses and universities they are interested in. The UCAS Hub is a great resource for exploring degree and apprenticeship options, and all students are helped to set up a UCAS Hub account at this time.
From the moment students begin considering university options, our Sixth Form team provides structured guidance and personalised support:
- Dedicated UCAS Workshops – covering everything from choosing courses to writing personal statements
- One-to-One Guidance – every student has access to tailored advice from tutors and our careers team
- Reference Writing – we work closely with students to ensure their school reference reflects their strengths and aspirations
- Application Checks – before submission, every UCAS application is reviewed to ensure accuracy and quality
- Ongoing Support – We continue to support students after submission, including interview preparation and responding to offers
As a college we recognise financial barriers to applying to University and so we pay for your daughter’s UCAS application. This is another thing that makes us unique across Manchester colleges.
How Parents Can Help
Parents play a vital role in encouraging and supporting their child through the UCAS journey. You can help by:
- Discussing university and course options together
- Encouraging your child to meet deadlines
- Attending university open days where possible
- Helping them stay positive and focused during decision-making
Key Dates
- UCAS Opens: Early September
- School Internal Deadline: Usually mid-November (to allow time for checks and references)
- UCAS Deadline: Mid-January for most courses; October for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science
www.ucas.com/discover/advice-for-parents-guardians-and-carers/key-dates-and-the-application-journey
Final Thought
We are proud of the aspirations our students set and the futures they build. The UCAS process is a journey, and at Sixth Form, we walk alongside every student and family to make it a successful one.
