University Guidance

The decision of which university to apply to is one of the most exciting and important decisions in a sixth form student’s life. SJB Sixth Form tutors are on hand to support students and, in the summer term of Year 12, the formal registration process begins. This support is for all individuals, tailored to each student’s needs. 

A few useful websites to support students are included below. This is designed to assist with the planning and preparation prior to formal application

• UCAS - UCAS is the university admissions site where students can search through courses that you may like to study at university;  
• University Open Days - Here students will find a list of all the up and coming open days. These tend to take place during the summer term of Year 12 and the autumn term of Year 13. Follow the link to find out when visits to the universities are available;  
• Russell Group Universities  - These are the top 24 universities in the UK. St John's has an strong track record in helping students obtain places to study at them. Students wishing to study at a Russell Group University should read the document 'Informed Choice' to support applications;  
• Oxford or Cambridge - These universities have extremely high admissions requirements and are very selective. Applications have to be received by mid-October in Year 13 and students are expected to research colleges and courses well beforehand. GCSE performance must contain a considerable number of A*/A grades and students are expected to have the potential to achieve three A grades or better at A Level. Students wishing to apply to Oxbridge are supported by their Personal Tutor or with the Head of Sixth Form, early in Year 12. Visits to the universities and the individual colleges are highly recommended;  
• Medicine - Students thinking of applying for Medicine should visit the link which provides some useful information about the application process; 
• Student Finance Wales - University can be expensive and it is important students and families establish how much the experience is likely to cost. The following link provides useful guidance to families and students about financing courses, as well as grants and student loans available;  
• Centigrade  - This software package provides a unique, bespoke set of possible university and career choices based on information shared by students. It is among the most advanced and well-regarded pieces of research software of its type in the world. There is a charge for this service (approx £20); and
• Unistat - This site is designed to help students make an informed choice when deciding which UK university or college to apply to. It includes the results of the latest National Student Survey and ranks universities on the basis of student well-being and course satisfaction.