1. A Parent’s Guide to Higher Education Adam Fox: Head of Year 13 & UCAS Coordinator Kirsty Matthews: Head of Sixth Form Allan Sutton: Leader of Post 16 Entitlement & RISE Coordinator Jared Baldwin: Head of Year 12 & Applied Learning Coordinator

2. Main options for getting a degree Full-time university courses (3 years +) – over 100 institutions in the UK. Foundation degrees (usually 2 years) – at universities and Further Education courses, including Exeter College and South Devon College Distance learning (get a job plus study at your own pace, module by module) – mainly through the Open University Employer-sponsored degrees – some organisations (e.g. NHS) will pay for university courses

3. Choosing a University/Course Near or Far? Home or Move? Campus or City style University? Subject or career?

4. Know the entry requirements Be aware of the general and specific entry requirements Different universities will have different requirements, some may accept some subjects as substitutes for science etc. – others may not – check! Some Courses will require specific entry requirements linked to the career paths they lead to: Education and Teaching Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Care, Social Work and related fields All require evidence of experience working in this area or a related area All will usually require an interview, this maybe on a 1-2-1, small group or even large group basis They will be looking for personality, experience, knowledge and understanding of key issues in the subject/sector – ethics, Government policy & reforms

5. Entry Requirements Continued…

6. The RISE Programme

7. The role of UCAS  UCAS exists to bring clarity and cohesion to the process of applying for a full-time UK HE course  UCAS is also an important source of factual information about choosing what and where to study

8. Research www.ucas.com www.ucas.com Official UCAS Website Course Search – by institution or course name  Entry Profiles  Entry Requirements  Bursary and scholarship comparator Links to HE websites UCAS Telephone Contact: 0871 468 0468 www.facebook.com/ucasonlinewww.facebook.com/ucasonline & twitter.com/ucas_online Social networking Allows you to ask a question direct and see what others including UCAS advisers are saying http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/gughttp://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/gug The Times University Guide http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/universityguidehttp://www.guardian.co.uk/education/universityguide The Guardian University Guide http://www.opendays.comhttp://www.opendays.com University Open Days

9. Key features of admissions scheme Number of choices Every applicant may make up to five choices for standard registration fee of £24.00 £13 for application to one centre Some subject restrictions: Dentistry, Medicine or Veterinary  max. 4 choices

10. Key dates of admissions scheme 2016-17 Please see hand out…

12. The Application Process Personal Details Personal Statement Reference See Application Pack on MOODLE

13. Apply

14. Personal Statement The most important part of the UCAS application Applicants have to sell themselves – this is hard, it takes time and several drafts - it should include: Who they are What they have done How this has made them suitable for their chose course/university What they have to offer the course/University Why they want to do that course or go to that University Key advice: be consistent honest apply for one type of course Benefits not features – ‘So What?’

15. Personal Statement

16. References Also vital to support application They can make the difference in being successful/unsuccessful in application Personal Tutors need as much information as possible & Personal Statement early to do the best job (should have handed in complete first draft in July) FXX then completes final checks

17. Key features of admissions scheme University and college decisions Admissions tutors can make one of three decisions: Conditional Offer Unconditional Offer Unsuccessful

18. Key features of admissions scheme Conditional offers Expressed in: UCAS Tariff points (e.g. 120 points) Or grades e.g. BCC in A levels, or MPP in BTEC National Diploma OR a combination of both (e.g. 96 points, including a B in Mathematics)

19. Key features of admissions scheme Replying to offers A maximum of two offers may be held after all final decisions have been made Applicant can make one of three replies: F =firm acceptance I=insurance acceptance D=decline

20. Key features of admissions scheme If an applicant has no offers… Two further stages to gain a place: UCAS Extra (mid-March – end of June) Clearing (mid-August onwards, for A level students)

22. Key feature of admissions system Confirmation 1.Exam results are issued (e.g. A levels 18 th August, BTEC ND in July) 2.Admissions staff check if applicant has matched the conditions of the offer 3.If yes, the student will be sent an official confirmation of their place Time to celebrate!!

23. A Quick bit on money… £Universities in England are charging up to £9,000 per year tuition fees £Students do not have to pay tuition fees ‘up front’ £Students can defer paying the tuition fees by taking a Tuition Fee Loan £Loan is paid back once finished course and earning over £21,000 pa (9%)

24. Living Costs POTENTIAL EXPENDITURE - First Year: Average Costs (2011/12) Accommodation (average~ £156 p/wk – 31 wks, catered) Books & Equipment Food and Drink (lunch etc at £20 p/wk – 31 wks) Clubs, Societies & Sports Clothing TV licence Travel home Toiletries and haircuts Telephone and Internet ( approx £100 internet in halls) Social Life (approx. £35 per week) Housing/Damage Deposit for next year TOTAL

25. Student Support Living Cost Loan (repayable) Means tested on parental income. Amount will depend on: how much grant you get whether you live at home or not whether you study in London or not

26. Extra Support Scholarships and bursaries – offered on the basis of academic ability, following means testing or for other reasons, for example, if your child has a disability. Fee waivers – these reduce tuition fees, either on their own, or as a broader package of support with a bursary. Hardship funds – these can help if you’re struggling financially either before or during uni.

27. Repaying loans Fee loan and maintenance loan When? - After leaving course & earning £21,000+ pa How? - Deductions directly from wages, like tax & NI How much? - 9% of earnings over £21,000 pa e.g. (£67.50 per month @ £30,000) (£30.00 per month @ £25,000) (£7.50 per month @ £22,000) -Can pay more -If earnings fall, contributions fall -Outstanding debts written off after 30 years -Student loan does not appear on credit file

28. How to make up the difference Vacation and term time earnings/savings Scholarships/trusts/charities Bank overdraft Extra parental contribution Additional support is also available for students with additional needs, e.g. students with disabilities or dependents Hardship funds

29. How and when to apply How: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinancewww.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance  download or print off form When: in the early spring in the year of entry Student Finance Tour: Students Friday 12 th Sept tbc; Parents Wednesday 24 th Sept, 6-7pm tbc

30. Support resources for students and parents South Dartmoor Community College Help Pack, Summer 2016. Available via website 6 th form tutors, Head of Year, Head of 6 th Form and Leader of Post 16 Entitlement Connexions and careers library UCAS website: www.ucas.com and university websiteswww.ucas.com University open days University admissions departments HE notice board at Place House Progression Tutorials with Ho6.

31. To Summarise… Everyone can gain a Higher Education course, should they want to Financial situation should not put you off – there is support available Proven that those with a degree earn more money in a lifetime than those without – it may cost an initial sum, but is more beneficial in the long run Get planning now – research courses, universities, investigate open days Once you’ve got a better idea of potential courses, start delving deeper, e.g. wider reading, work experience, specific supplementary courses run by universities