First years visit leading universities as part of award-winning College careers programme

17 July 2023

The entire cohort of Year 1 students at Birkenhead Sixth Form College rounded off the end of the summer term by visiting a range of leading universities in the North of England.

The visits further enhance students’ insights into what the next steps after College could hold, and give them hands-on experience of what they can expect from life at university.

All students were given a choice of destination to visit across two days at the end of term, and set off across the country to either The University of Sheffield, The University of Leeds, The University of Liverpool, Lancaster University, UCLan, Liverpool John Moores University or Edge Hill University.

The students particularly enjoyed tours of the various campuses, getting a real sense of what it’s like to be an undergraduate student and life both in and outside of the lecture theatre.

Birkenhead Sixth Form College was the first sixth form college in the country to be awarded the Quality in Careers Standard award three years ago, and has recently been recertified with the accolade. It recognises excellence in careers provision and the College’s commitment to ensuring that our students leave us after completing A Levels, BTECs or T Levels with the best possible doors open for their future, whether that’s university, apprenticeships or employment.

Around 80% of our final years students choose to go onto university each year, and the number of students who progress to the prestigious Sutton 30 universities has been hailed as ‘remarkable’ by the Sixth Form Colleges Association.

Director of Student Development and Careers Leader at the College, Jo Wood, said: “The students overwhelmingly reported the trips to the universities to be a positive and very worthwhile experience which they’ve gained plenty of knowledge from to help them with choices going forward.

“The trips are just one component of a careers programme that stretches from the time that students first join us to after their final exams, as our dedicated tutor team help broaden students’ horizons through the tutorial programme, assemblies, careers fairs, careers appointments with our specialist advisers, the annual Futures Day and much more.”

Jo continued: “Coming to this College encompasses a lot more than just academic achievement in the classroom. Our students leave us as well-rounded individuals, equipped with everything they need for their futures in work and beyond. We will always keep working to evolve our careers provision to do the best for every student and make sure they are prepared for life after College. Although the UCAS university application process is well underway for our first years, these trips to universities have inspired the students to think deeply over the summer break about decisions next year and where their own path will take them after their achievements at College.”

For more on the College’s careers programme, click here.