1. Welcome and Introductions Progression 2016 - 17

2. Progression 2016 - 17 Progression 2016 - 17 The UCAS ‘Process’ at WQE (Universities & Colleges Admissions Service) Sue Ashwin Vice Principal

3. Reflection of 2015 Reflection of 2015 Over 85% of cohort applied for H.E. or F.E (HE in FE/Art Foundation) 892 applications Some students took a gap year A growing number of students commenced employment and Apprenticeships Over 1000 applications processed!

4. The HE Process The HE Process HE Fair – April 2016 – Derby University Arrival of prospectuses – March to June Information on WQE online and ‘Apply 2017’ opened for business NOW KickStart – tomorrow! Sessions with Progress Coach June/July – focus on HE & progression preparation In – house support for entrance tests Careers service available for one to one advice and guidance

5. Planning ahead Planning ahead Use of Study Centre Resources; WQE online; Careers interviews (incl Connexions) www.unistats.com www.ucas.com Admissions test information Open days - UCAS strongly advise - directory of dates on www.ucas.com. Lots of posters around University Web sites – check ‘course profiles’ 2015 WQE students’ top choices: DMU, Leicester, Aston, Nottingham Trent, Sheffield Hallam, Uni of Nottingham Most popular Degrees: Engineering, Business Studies/Management, Accountancy/Finance, Economics, English, Law, Pharmacy and biomedical science

6. Internal Procedures Internal Procedures Update of predicted grades and comments from subject staff Max. 5 choices; 4 for Oxbridge/Medicine/Vet Science Complete UCAS ‘Apply 2017’ on-line inc. Personal Statement (help on WQE online, workshops & drop in surgeries); do NOT plagiarise; discuss with Progress Coach Complete by ‘Sending to Referee’ + £24 (£13 single app) Progress Coach compiles reference - processed by Student Services

7. Internal deadlines Early applications – 23 September Applications to competitive Universities and courses – 4 November All other courses and Universities 25 November

8. UCAS Process UCAS Process Invitation for interviews? Conditional/Unconditional offers? Rejection? Medical & Oxbridge mock interviews at College System continues until all offers completed – April/May/June 2017 Art Foundation get the same support – details published UCAS advice and information http://ucas.com/students/apply

9. The new UCAS tariff Will be used for 2017 entry Approximately a third of HEI’s use tariff points when making offers Doesn’t mean a difference to entry requirements for courses Only difference is to what grades are ‘worth’

10. New Tariff points

11. Example grade combinations A level grade Old TariffNew Tariff A*A*A*420168 A*A*A400160 A*AA380152 AAA 360144 AAB 340136 ABB 320128 BBB 300120 BBC 280112 BCC 260104 CCC 24096 CCD 22088 CDD 20080 DDD 18072

12. Taking a Year out - How do I apply? Taking a Year out - How do I apply? There are different ways of accessing & using the system. There is no ‘preferred’ way of doing this. It purely depends on the needs & plans of each individual. Deferred entry – Apply using Apply 2017 but in point of entry indicate 2018 entry Applying post results – Apply 2018 after results in August 2017 or at any time in that academic year

13. Pros and Cons Deferred The positives: Place secured before Gap Year started Plans in place Easier to access support through College Cost is at 2017 Apply rate The negatives: Once committed place is for 2018 entry only Year out and/or results may change things – means possibly reapplying anyway Apply 2017 The positives: Grades known so can be matched to profile A year longer to make the right decision The negatives: Could be away and not able to attend Open Day/interview Remote access needed for decision making Only chance of 2017 entry is through late Clearing Passport – limited options

14. Alternatives to University

15. Higher or degree Apprenticeships Launched 2009 Proposed growth area (but still smallest) What’s the difference? Opportunity for a mixture of on the job experience and academic learning Entry requirements – 18+ and UCAS points PLUS…. Competitive Salary and all education costs paid When to apply

16. School leaver programmes Structure varies between organisations and sectors Receive education and training whilst working towards a qualification (Foundation or bachelors degree, professional qualification) Accounting & finance, hospitality, retail, engineering, IT M & S, John Lewis, Grant Thornton, Deloitte, Looking for managers & future leaders UCAS points PLUS……

17. Other alternatives Foundation year HE in FE Study Abroad

18. Contacts Sue – sue.ashwin@wqe.ac.uk Wendy – wendy.fleming@wqe.ac.uk Kate – kateofarrell@wqe.ac.uk studentservices@wqe.ac.uk