St Leonard's

The process of applying for university or apprenticeships is a complex one, but this is an area in which we can make sure you excel. We have recently been identified as the best state school in the North East for successful applications to Oxford and Cambridge, partly through the support we can offer every step of the way, from initial research into courses and colleges to interview workshops with specialist academics, but more for our teaching that goes above and beyond the specification, instilling students with the sense of intellectual curiosity for which universities are seeking. 

We recognise that getting into the top university is less important than getting into the right university for you as an individual, so we tailor our advice for you with a holistic approach, taking your needs and interest into account to shape a future that fits you.  

The UCAS process begins in the summer term of Year 12 when students have a whole week of talks and workshops to prepare them for life beyond St Leonards, in practical as well as academic ways. All students are shown step-by-step how the application process works and how to structure and develop points in their personal statement. We use the interactive platform Unifrog so tutors and teachers can view and comment on personal statements which will be in a new format for 2024.  

The combined experience of our Sixth Form team means we are able to adapt flexibly to change and seize each opportunity: for an enrichment trip; an outreach day; suggested super-curricular reading.  The small sizes of our classes and tutor groups means we know you inside out, and can collaborate to write UCAS references which open doors for you, and makes sure you have predicted grades that reflect your potential.