Next Steps 2024-25
We are proud of the individual support we provide for our students in helping them make informed choices about their next steps after school. Whether this is applying for a degree course or for an Art Foundation, employment, apprenticeships, or planning a Gap Year, we provide tailored advice and practical help at every step of the journey.
Mr Hardcastle, Head of HE Support and Mrs Whalley, Head of Careers, are available for 1:1 appointments to help your daughter explore all the available options.
UCAS Mythbusting
• There is no preferential listing – choices are placed in alphabetical order
• Universities cannot see any other application
• You do not need to apply for all five choices – the form can be sent with just one choice. Additional choices can be added later if desired.
• Applying early isn’t just for “Early Applicant” students – the earlier you apply the better for everyone.
Over the last 5 years…
• 87% of leavers have gone to university
• 7% of leavers have taken an Art Foundation Course
• 6% went into direct employment, apprenticeships or ‘other’
• 29% of leavers are studying a STEM Degree
• 9% of leavers are studying Medicine, Dentistry, Vet, Pharmacy, Nursing or other Health Profession training.
Sixth Form
Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5SZ
royalhigh@rhsb.gdst.net
01225 313877
The UCAS Application Journey
1 2 3
Apply
Applicants use the online UCAS Course Search, online prospectuses and other resources including university fairs and Open Days to explore which courses might be suitable, the universities that offer them and the typical grade offers.
Applicants can apply for up to five courses using UCAS Apply. Applications are thoroughly checked by the HE Team and the Head before submission.
*Applicants for Oxbridge, Medicine, Vet, Dentistry and Music Conservatoires have early deadlines.
Decide
Autumn 2024/Spring 2025
Applicants check the progress of their application using UCAS Track which is updated as UCAS receive decisions from universities and colleges.
If applicants do not receive any offers, they may be able to use Extra, which allows them to apply for one additional choice at a time.
Once applicants have received all their decisions, they choose a Firm and may also choose an Insurance choice course using UCAS Track. Student Finance (loans for Tuition Fees and Maintenance for UK) applications open in late February or early March.
Autumn 2024 Choose Spring/Summer 2024
Results
IB Results: July 2025
A Level Results: Aug 2025
Both IB and A Level students check UCAS Track to see if they’ve got a place on their Firm or Insurance choice.
If they have, their offers will be made Unconditional. UCAS receives most exam results direct from the awarding bodies but some universities may request copies of results certificates.
Note that IB students receive their results before the universities and so a decision may not come immediately.
Next Steps
August
2025
If students receive different grades than expected, there may be other options available. If grades are lower and the student is not accepted by the Firm or Insurance university, obtaining a place through Clearing may be an option. Higher grades may allow a student to find a place on a different course or at a different university through Clearing. All course vacancies will be listed on the UCAS website.
Throughout this whole process, HE staff will be available to provide help and support.
Start
Sep/Oct 2025, unless applying for deferred entry
Students will need to make sure they have everything ready, such as accommodation, finances, travel arrangements, any books and equipment required. Maintenance loans are paid on the first day of each term.
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Key Dates for UCAS Applications
Other dates will apply for Art Foundation/Conservatoire/Overseas Applications
* 2024 dates as 2025 dates have not yet been published.
2024
FEBRUARY 28 Next Steps Evening
MARCH 8 PSHE: researching your future
MAY Students indicate their likely course choice
Personal Statement Mentors allocated
JUNE Internal exams and predicted grades
10 Application Day 1: Writing an effective personal statement, avoiding common mistakes, meetings with tutors and mentors
14 PSHE: researching your future from a careers' perspective
19 Application Day 2: Advice on choosing degree courses and universities, starting the UCAS application form, receive grade sheet and predicted grades, continue with personal statement writing
20
Academic Evening (online): A chance for parents and daughters to discuss Next Steps options with subject teachers, tutors and mentors; especiallyin the light of predicted grade performance.
JUNE/JULY GDST preparation courses for university admissions tests
SEPTEMBER 5 Induction Day for Y13: Tutors to finalise references in the light of summer experiences and any decisions.
20 INTERNAL DEADLINE for early applicants to complete personal statements
Oxbridge test application submitted within school
UCAS applications open
Small group Interview workshops start OCTOBER 4 INTERNAL DEADLINE for submitting early applications
11 INTERNAL DEADLINE for submitting Personal Statements
15 UCAS DEADLINE for early applications*
Oxbridge test day in school - results published later in month
NOVEMBER 22 INTERNAL DEADLINE for submitting UCAS applications
2025
JANUARY 31
UCAS DEADLINE for applications to be consideration' by universities*
FEBRUARY/ MARCH UK Student Finance applications open for courses starting in September 2025
MAY 16 Deadline for all decisions to be made by universities*
JUNE 6 Deadline for making Firm and Insurance decisions if all decisions have been received by May 16*
JULY 6 IB results available on candidate website
A
results
Clearing opens AUGUST 14
Level
Clearing and Adjustment