Careers Guidance

We understand that decisions about future Higher Education courses and careers are of the utmost importance at this stage in your life. The Sixth Form team, which includes a full-time, dedicated Head of Careers, offers individual guidance and support throughout your time in the Sixth Form.

We are proud of the quality of our careers and guidance provision, which has been recognised through the achievement of the Career Mark Award since 2017.

Support with UCAS applications

During Year 12, girls are encouraged to make use of Unifrog to begin researching universities and potential courses.  They also use Unifrog to build up their personal portfolio by recording activities and skills which can be included in personal statements and references.

The Higher Education Evening introduces girls to the UCAS process and is followed by visits to the UCAS Exhibition and to a university campus.  Individual guidance interviews allow the girls to have confidence in their choices and the in-house Higher Education Conference offers advice from university representatives on writing the personal statement and preparing for interviews.  

This support continues into Year 13, when girls are assisted with finalising and sending their UCAS application. Mock interviews are held for girls applying to competitive course (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Sciences, Oxbridge) and students are given advice on choosing their Firm and Insurance university offers.  To complete the process, a team of experienced staff are on site to support the girls on results day.

This support is also available to girls who choose to apply to universities outside the UK.

Support with other applications

A similar level of support is provided to girls who choose to apply for alternative routes, such as apprenticeships or art/drama colleges.  Assistance is given to complete the application process and to prepare portfolios where required.  Mock interviews focusing on the girls’ portfolios are arranged.

Whatever your plans are for the future, you can have confidence that our Head of Careers and the Sixth Form team will give you every assistance and support to achieve your goals.

Building networks for the future

Sixth Form girls are introduced to NWC Connect, our network of alumnae, parents, staff and associates of the school, who offer advice, guidance and possible work experience exclusively to our students.

In addition, being part of the GDST network brings many opportunities and advantages to our students.  They have access to conferences, including an Oxbridge Conference at an Oxford or Cambridge College, taster events and preparatory courses for specialist university admissions tests for competitive courses as well as workplace experiences with major employers.  The GDST Alumnae Network gives girls access to over 70,000 professionals who can offer help, advice and work experience.

Girls also build links through activities within our local community, Business Enterprise and through our biennial Careers Fair.  They can also attend the NWC Horizons talks, which, in the Spring Term are devoted to Careers talks.

For further information please do get in touch.

Rosemary Thompson, Head of Careers & UCAS

r.thompson@nwc.gdst.net    @NWC_Careers