Increase in university applications
Blackpool Sixth has seen an increase in the proportion of students applying to universities this year. Applications through the UCAS system have gone up by 2.5 percentage points to 68% of the current upper sixth cohort.
UCAS extended their deadline by two weeks this year in response to the Covid lockdown. College pastoral staff worked hard to promote the need for students to get their applications in despite the background uncertainty which is being felt across the whole of the education sector.
Head of Student Services, Tom Holland commented, “We are very pleased that students are focusing on their futures and showing a lot of ambition and determination. Although the official deadline has passed we are still encouraging students to think about applying as many universities may still consider applications.”
Tom stressed that university is not a route that all students want to take and that there is very extensive support and guidance for those who intend to pursue other options such as high level apprenticeships and other forms of employment with training. In recent years, almost all students completing their studies at Blackpool Sixth have progressed to further study, training or employment, a track record which the college is very proud of.
In March the college will be holding an online version of its annual ‘Building Futures’ event with input from a wide range of universities and employers. The online platform will be available from 15th March for all Blackpool Sixth students and will be of interest to prospective students as well.