University Guidance

As a school we offer advice to all students in the Sixth Form regarding applications to Universities.  We are aware, however, that the earlier this process starts the more effective it can be. 

Therefore, if CSGS students would like to access information about applying to competitive Universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, they can find this via Fusion (Students/KS/ILS/Oxbridge).   All students are encouraged to view this information, regardless of year group.

Students aspiring to apply for a place at Oxford or Cambridge is supported through an extensive programme. This includes a programme of subject specific additional reading and tutorials in preparation for the rigorous application process. Oxbridge students are expected to attend the Quest lecture series to promote their intellectual curiosity and cultural capital. We continue to foster strong links with many of the colleges including Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge and Mansfield College, Oxford, and visits are arranged each year so that students can see what it is like to study at such an institution. Subject specific preparation is provided for the subject entrance tests and mock interviews take place in Year 12 and in again in Year 13. Students applying to Oxford or Cambridge are given a specific mentor to assist them through the process. 

Suggested reading material for students considering Oxbridge

We have compiled a list of suggested reading material for students who are looking to apply to competitive universities such as Oxbridge.  Please see the Reading List (updated link to follow).

If you have any further questions, please contact the school’s Oxbridge Co-Ordinator Mr Dawson.

Student Experience:

AMELIA MILLS
- achieved a place to read Architecture at Cambridge

“When the challenge of determining my next educational steps arose, CSGS was there to provide extensive support, which assisted in every decision and potential hurdle. From finalising my course from a broad selection, to the daunting prospect of interviews, teachers and staff were consistent in their encouragement. In addition, there were numerous enriching opportunities, such as subject-specific lectures, visiting exhibitions and other establishments that enhanced and deepened my learning, aiding any preparation for my university applications. The assistance the school provided, which was tailored to my application process and course, was an integral part to my success in being rewarded with an offer to study Architecture at the University of Cambridge. CSGS ensures a rich and fulfilling education, which teaches beyond the words of a textbook and curriculum: a place where students thrive not just academically, but holistically.”

THOMAS MCBRIDE
- achieved a place to read Modern Foreign Languages at Cambridge

“CSGS was very helpful in aiding me to get an offer from Cambridge, facilitating multiple opportunities for practice interviews both internally and externally. In addition to this, the school also organised numerous trips to Oxford colleges for students interested in applying, where we received advice and resources from the university on our application. In terms of the wider teaching environment at the school, teachers were always ready to push students above and beyond in their study, and were keen to aid me in applying to extracurricular programmes.”

Students wishing to apply to study Medicine and Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine are encouraged to be a part of the Medics Society, where a range of ethical and scientific issues are debated.
 

The school runs the Medics Conference in Year 12, with a focus on successful application to medical schools and dentistry courses. In addition, past students of the school who have qualified in each of these professions are available to advise current students.

Student Experience:

VAROUNE SHANMUGANATHAN

- achieved a place to read Medicine at Brighton and Sussex

“From being given information on the various admissions tests as well as mock interview preparation, CSGS not only helped further my motivation but also provided me with the confidence that I required when applying to medical school. In addition, the school offered a vast array of other enrichment activities such as a peer mentoring scheme, tutoring younger pupils, as well as awarding me the role of Vice School Captain. These activities strengthened the skills that I would require as a medical student and doctor, such as communication, integrity and leadership. Furthermore, the consistent support I received from my subject teachers and the sixth-form team played a huge role in my success in attaining a place at medical school. Knowing they were always there to give me advice on managing the stresses a medicine application entails, as well as constantly reassuring me helped me immensely at a very stressful time. Entering medical school has always been a big dream of mine; however, the level of difficulty to enter into such a prestigious course was always daunting but with the support that CSGS provided me, I was able to secure an offer from one of the top 10 medical schools in the country.”

We use the award-winning, online destinations platform, Unifrog, as part of our sixth form careers and personal development programme.

The Unifrog platform is designed to support learners in making the most informed decisions about their futures and has a range of tools that are suitable for a variety of destinations. It is particularly useful in helping students decide on suitable university courses or apprenticeships.

Key features of the platform include:

• Exploring Pathways – personality quizzes, career and subject profiles and webinars.
• Recording – self-reflection about extracurricular activities and key employability skills.
• Opportunities – tools showing live vacancies/courses/placements for apprenticeships, universities (in the UK and abroad), FE, virtual work experience and much more.
• Applications – tools to help students build applications for a range of pathways (e.g., CVs, Personal Statements).
• Wider reading and research – links to a variety of resources in subjects of their choice

Parents/Carers are also given information about how to create their own account (please see the Parent launchpad for details).

If you decide to re-apply to UCAS, or apply to UCAS for the first time as an ex-student, please contact Ms S Popely (tel.no. 020 8269 9889 or email ucas.support@csgrammar.com) for instructions on how to register your application with UCAS and to link it to CSGS.

Please also be aware of the deadline dates which you MUST complete and pay for your application by. CSGS will check your education page and add your reference to send to UCAS before their deadline dates.

Oxbridge / Medicine / Vet Science / Dentistry: 15thSeptember 2024

These applications take priority as they have an earlier deadline. If other applications are submitted during this time we will complete them as soon as it is possible to do so.

Deadline for all other applications by: 8th November 2024

At this point we guarantee that applications will be submitted by the UCAS deadline. They will be dealt with in the order that they are completed, dependent on the number of errors there are and the changes that have to be made.

We will not be able to check applications submitted after this point but will be able to provide a reference only.

UCAS Ex-Student Reapplication Form 2025 entry

Thank you.

Documents

Useful websites:

UCAS.com - Looking for a course in Clearing? Learn how Clearing works & find a new place