Beyond School

The time in the sixth form at Cockermouth School helps prepare students for a number of different possible future directions. The majority of our year 13 students leave us and progress onto a higher education course, either with or without a gap year. However, a significant number take up places in colleges, join apprenticeships, or enter professional/industrial training with providers such as GEN II.

During the time in the sixth form we provide a variety of opportunities to sample and prepare for life in employment, training or further education.

University – We provide comprehensive UCAS preparation including university visits, guest speakers and detailed guidance on course choices and university applications. We also ensure that students applying to specialist courses such as Oxbridge, Medicine and Teaching are given the support they need. The proof of the success of our systems is that in 2010, 102 year 13 students progressed into higher education with 84 securing a place at their first choice university.

Careers and Training – A small number of our students choose to leave education at the end of sixth form and go direct into employment, examples from the last couple of years include students who have joined ASDA, banking and children’s services

Apprenticeships and Professional Training – Each year we have a group of students who apply to the GEN II training course, and others who have entered nursing, policing and accountancy amongst others. In 2009, 8 students followed this path and in 2010, 9 students secured apprenticeships or similar.

In order to help students make the best decision for their future, they spend two years working closely with their form tutor and are provided with a variety of detailed and specialist guidance from both school staff and external professionals. They also have the chance to take part in opportunities such as Engineering Education Scheme, Young Enterprise and the European Scholarship to help them make informed choices. Lastly, further practical elements of sixth form life such as work experience and school programs including Paired Reading, Form Attachment, and Maths Buddying all help develop students for their future.