Key Stage 5: Post 18 Options

Timeline for Post 18 Options

Year 12

Work Experience

Year 12 students carry out a compulsory week’s work experience during the summer term, from Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July 2026. In this period there will be no classes; each day all students will be at the workplace of their host employer. We will be using Unifrog www.unifrog.org our online careers platform to manage the administration of the work experience programme in collecting information from the employer about their Risk Assessment and Health & Safety policy, as well as getting consent from parents / carers for the placement to go ahead.

Careers Fortnight

Year 12 Careers Fortnight takes place in November. The aim is to provide students with information and resources about what they might wish to do post 18, whether it be university, an apprenticeship scheme, a Gap year or employment. A range of assemblies take place over the two weeks delivering information on the labour market, employability skills, apprenticeships, researching options and interview techniques as well as careers speakers and Alumnae invited into lessons or to give a lunchtime talk about their careers experience. The students also have the opportunity to take part in a practice interview conducted by a number of volunteers invited into school. 

During the Post 18 Options Day 1 in March, students get the chance to visit the UCAS Convention at Manchester Central. During Post 18 Options Day 2 in July, students begin the UCAS application process and preparing their personal statements. 

Unifrog

Students will receive teaching from their form tutors using dedicated lessons from Unifrog on: Post-18 Choices, Goal Setting, Research Opportunities, Apprenticeships, Acing Personal Statements and Discovering MOOCs. Please do ask your child about this platform and how it can be beneficial to support discussions on their options.

Widening Participation & Access Programmes

As students consider their options post-18, they may also want to start researching widening participation schemes which are available for those who fit the eligibility criteria, which can range from those who are on free school meals, to being the first generation to go to university or from a certain ethnic background. Should students be successful in their application on these schemes, they may be offered workshops on writing their applications, being invited to attend lectures to experience university life and the potential of a reduced offer. One such example popular at AGGS is the Manchester Access Programme, which can be found here: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/contextual-admissions/map/ but many more are available and we can support you in looking for these. 

Year 13

Unifrog

Students will be using Unifrog to continue to research the university choices and amend their personal statement, as teachers offer feedback on their efforts. We encourage you to work with your child and use the platform to its full advantage, researching all options available to you. There is a wealth of information available to you including: the various ‘personalities’ of Oxbridge colleges, the wide range of entry requirements for particular courses, suitable courses based on personality types and information on applying for Universities further afield.

Year 13 spend time completing and finalising applications for choices beyond AGGS. Student finance come into school and give a talk on student finance. See link below:

Destination of Leavers

Useful websites

Alternative Pathways and Higher Education talks are offered to Year 12 and 13 students to find out more about the World of Work, Apprenticeships and University, University Courses and Gap Year Opportunities.

Post 18 Higher Education Evening information