Careers & Futures

Access expert guidance on university applications, apprenticeships and career pathways, alongside work experience and employer engagement opportunities. 

At The Holy Cross Sixth Form, we help you plan and prepare for life after school from the very first day. Our Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) programme is personalised and continuous throughout Years 12 and 13, giving students expert support for university applications, apprenticeships, and career pathways.

You will work closely with Mrs Dewar, our full-time Careers Advisor, to explore your interests, identify opportunities, and develop the skills needed for your next steps. Our programme combines tailored one-to-one guidance with workshops, employer engagement, and access to our careers platform, Unifrog, which provides up-to-date information on courses, universities, apprenticeships, and the labour market.


Year 12: Exploring Pathways

In your first year of Sixth Form, you will:

  • Use Unifrog to research courses, colleges, universities, and apprenticeships, comparing options to make informed decisions
  • Receive a University & Careers interview tailored to your goals
  • Attend Careers Insight lunchtime sessions to meet professionals from diverse fields
  • Take part in 'UCAS Discovery' and 'What Uni?' 'What Career?' exhibitions
  • Arrange work experience placements to develop employability skills
  • Participate in university taster days and open events
  • Receive guidance on super-curricular opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom
  • Begin preparing for competitive university applications, including Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science
Year 13: Making Decisions & Taking Action

In your final year, we provide targeted support to help you:

  • Finalise and submit applications to universities or employers
  • Prepare for interviews, admissions tests, and assessments
  • Research student life, finance, and course requirements to ensure a smooth transition
  • Gain the confidence and skills to thrive beyond Sixth Form

Each year, 80–90% of our Sixth Formers secure places at top universities of their choice. We maintain strong links with institutions including Homerton College, Cambridge and Somerville College, Oxford, providing additional support for early applications.


Career Inspiration & Employer Engagement

Our programme connects students with a wide range of professionals, helping them explore careers and build networks. Recent guest speakers have included:

  • Graphic Designers
  • Government Lawyers
  • Engineers
  • Brand Writers
  • BBC Broadcasters
  • NHS Midwives and Physiotherapists
  • Cyber Security Advisors, AI Experts, and Data Analysts
  • Armed Response Police Officers

In addition, Sixth Formers can participate in specialised programmes to enhance their career readiness and academic development, including:

  • Raising the Bar – legal skills programme
  • Step2Med – for aspiring medics
  • Young Enterprise – business and entrepreneurial experience
  • UCL ORBYTS – young scientist research programme
  • Green Careers Week
  • Microsoft & ED&I Programme
  • Maths4Girls events
  • SkyUp Academy
  • Future Leaders UK Programme
  • The Brilliant Club Scholars’ Programme

These opportunities, combined with work experience, super-curricular learning, and personalised careers guidance, ensure every student leaves Sixth Form with clarity, confidence, and a plan for their future.