Post 18
Destinations
Your future starts here.
At Sharnbrook Academy, we believe that choosing your next destination is one of the most important decisions you will make — and you should never have to make it alone.
From the moment students join us, we begin helping them understand the breadth of opportunities available beyond Sixth Form. Whether their ambition is to study at university, secure a competitive apprenticeship, enter the world of work, take a gap year or pursue a pathway they have not yet discovered, our two-year Destinations Programme is designed to open eyes, broaden horizons and turn aspirations into realistic, achievable plans.
We want every student to leave us with more than excellent academic results. We want them to leave with confidence, independence, practical skills and a clear sense of what comes next.
Explore Every Possibility
There is no single definition of success. Every student has different interests, talents and ambitions, which is why we ensure that students are introduced to a wide range of destinations and pathways.
Throughout their two years with us, students are supported to explore:
- University and higher education
- Degree and higher apprenticeships
- Apprenticeships and training opportunities
- Employment and the world of work
- Gap years and alternative pathways
- Professional and specialist careers
Our aim is to make sure students are aware of the opportunities available to them and have the information, experiences and support they need to make informed decisions about their future.
Destinations Week
Our annual Destinations Week in March is a highlight of the year, giving students the opportunity to explore careers and industries far beyond the classroom.
During the week, students take part in engaging and interactive workshops across a huge range of sectors. From environmental careers, law and medicine to nursing and many other professional fields, students can hear directly from people with experience in the industries they may be considering.
These sessions are designed to challenge perceptions, answer questions and, importantly, introduce students to careers they may never have considered before.
We also work with apprenticeship providers, who deliver interactive sessions to help students understand what apprenticeships involve, what employers are looking for and how they can access these increasingly varied opportunities.
Careers Fair
Our annual Careers Fair provides another fantastic opportunity for students to explore their future.
With more than 90 visitors representing universities, apprenticeship providers, employers and other organisations, the event brings an enormous range of possibilities directly to our students.
It is a chance to ask questions, discover new courses and careers, make connections and begin to understand what different destinations could look like in practice.
For some students, a conversation at the Careers Fair may confirm a long-held ambition. For others, it may spark an entirely new idea.
Sometimes, discovering your future starts with simply meeting someone who can show you what is possible.
University Applications
For students considering university, our programme provides dedicated support throughout the application process.
Our university-focused drop-down days give students time to explore the application journey in detail, from researching courses and universities to understanding the different stages of applying.
Students are encouraged to think carefully about their choices, develop their personal ambitions and make decisions that are right for them.
We recognise that university applications can feel daunting, so our aim is to make the process clear, manageable and supportive — ensuring that students feel prepared at every stage.
Apprenticeships and the World of Work
University is not the only route to a successful future.
Our in-house apprenticeship programme gives students practical preparation for entering the world of work and applying for apprenticeship opportunities. Students develop essential skills including:
- Writing an effective CV
- Completing applications
- Preparing for interviews
- Communicating professionally
- Understanding employer expectations
- Working effectively as part of a team
- Demonstrating skills and strengths to prospective employers
Students also have opportunities to take part in TEAM activities, developing collaboration, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills in practical and engaging ways.
These are skills that extend far beyond an application form — they are skills students can take with them throughout their lives.
Preparing for Life Beyond Sixth Form
Preparing students for their destination is about more than applications and careers. It is also about ensuring they are ready for the independence and responsibilities that come with life after Sixth Form.
Our PSHE drop-down days provide students with practical knowledge and life skills that they can use immediately and throughout adulthood.
Students explore topics including personal finance, personal safety, car safety and independent living — alongside practical skills such as learning how to use a washing machine.
These may sound like simple things, but they are essential parts of becoming an independent young adult. We want our students to leave us feeling not only academically prepared, but ready for life.
Supporting Every Student, Every Step of the Way
Our commitment to destinations begins on the day a student joins us and continues throughout their time in Sixth Form.
We understand that students do not all arrive knowing exactly what they want to do next. Some have a clear career ambition from day one; others need time, experiences and encouragement to discover what inspires them.
That is why our approach is both academic and pastoral.
We get to know our students, understand their aspirations and help them identify the opportunities that could take them closer to their goals. Where plans change, we help them adapt. Where confidence is lacking, we help them build it. Where a student has a big ambition, we help them understand the steps needed to achieve it.
We care about where our students are going — and about the people they become along the way.
Our ultimate goal is simple: to ensure every student reaches their full potential and leaves Sixth Form equipped to take their next step with confidence.
Whether that next step is university, an apprenticeship, employment, a gap year or another exciting opportunity, we want every student to leave with the knowledge, skills, confidence and support to fulfil their destination dreams.
Your future. Your ambitions. Your destination. We are here to help you get there.
USEFUL WEBSITES AND INFORMATION
Unifrog – this is a very useful application for students are given access to. They are able to explore and compare universities or national apprenticeships. The apprenticeships are updated every 24 hours and new ones are coming available every day. There are also tools available to support personal statements and CVs as well as a place to store vital information including competencies, activities and meetings. We also encourage parents to take a look!
UCAS – the UCAS website is full of information for students who are considering university as their next steps – from their initial registration, through to university and course choices and advice on writing their personal statement. The school will support students right the way through this process starting with UCAS registration in June kicking off our Futures Programme.
Universities either use a points tariff or the ABC system when making their offers to students. Based on their predicted academic grades, students are also able to work out if they are eligible. Click here to find out how the UCAS tariff system works
University Entry Exams
If students are required to take a university entry exam, they should register with the exams office at the beginning of September.
UCAT (formally UKCAT) for those taking medicine/dentistry. For more details please go to https://www.ucat.ac.uk/
Higher Education presentation
https://youtu.be/Oxbridge Evening Presentation
Student Finance
Finance English – student finance presentation
APRRENTICESHIPS
Click on the image below to access the National Careers Service E-Pack
Are you thinking about an apprenticeship? There are all types of apprenticeships available, nationally as well as locally. These can be hands-on vocational subjects up to degree level apprenticeships. Here are some links to help you:
Bedford College for local apprenticeships
Here is the link to The National Apprenticeship Show website
Are you looking for work? Here is the link to the Job Shows – held annually in London or Milton Keynes
Here is the link to the government apprenticeship website
The Student Ladder – information on work experience placements, graduate schemes, apprenticeships and job opportunities
Other websites to help you with apprenticeships, internships, interviews and further study are: https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/
University Compare website: https://universitycompare.com/
A comprehensive university comparison site, offering students resources, tools, student discounts and university stats and rankings.
Clearing website: https://clearing.co.uk/
A website which tells you everything you need to know about Clearing and Adjustment and offers an app which allows you to speak to universities directly.
Uni Compare app: http://onelink.to/unicompare
Download the Uni Compare app and see our service in action. Works for all smartphones.
Course search: https://universitycompare.com/courses/
Our unique course search allows you to see all of the different courses available for students and lets you instantly see the best course for you!