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UCAS & Apprenticeships
Applying to University.
Thinking about life after Sixth Form? Whether you’re aiming for university, an apprenticeship, or you’re not sure yet, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
At St Leonard’s, it’s not about chasing the “top” university. It’s about finding the right fit for you.
• Some of our students head to Oxford or Cambridge (we’re the No.1 school in the North East for Oxbridge offers).
• Others secure places at Russell Group universities (almost 70% of all our university applicants), but plenty find their future in exciting degree apprenticeships with employers like GSK, Hitachi, or the Bank of England.
• Many benefit from local supported progression schemes, which can mean lower entry offers.
Did you know? Every Year 12 student takes part in around 50 workshops and talks from academics, university teams and employers to explore options and prepare for the future.
Life after Sixth Form isn’t just about grades. That’s why we include:
• Practical skills like budgeting, cooking, and living independently.
• Subject tasters from Paramedic Science to Maths.
• Employer and university events where you can ask questions and make connections.
The UCAS process can feel confusing. We make it simple:
1. Researching courses and apprenticeships.
2. Writing and improving personal statements (using Unifrog so tutors and families can give feedback).
3. Mock interviews with subject specialists.
4. Planning and visiting Open Days (We do two university visits as whole year group trips, enjoy free accommodation for Oxbridge open days, and bursary students get funding to help them make more visits).
5. Finding apprenticeship opportunities through UCAS’s Early Connect system.
Outstanding results: 1 in 6 students achieved entirely A*/A last summer, 35% of all results were A*/A, and the average grade for our vocational subjects was Distinction*.
• Proven success: outstanding Oxbridge results and strong university/apprenticeship offers across the board, with every student receiving offers from their top choice of university.
• Extra opportunities: enrichment trips, super-curricular reading, and specialist outreach days.
Small tutor groups mean we know you well and can write references that open doors.
A family feel where you can be yourself.
What matters most? Not just where you go after Sixth Form — but how prepared and confident you feel when you get there.
Step into a sixth form that’s designed for you.
Eat, drink, fuel your studies – Our café serves hot meals, fresh salads, meal deals, and seriously good drinks: iced coffees, matcha lattes, and pumpkin spice hot chocolate.
Work & relax – The library has comfy reading nooks, computers, printers, and a dedicated space for careers info and prospectuses. Quiet spots let you focus or just breathe.
Hang out & create – The common room has loads of workspaces, a gallery wall of student art, outside eating areas, and spaces to express yourself with café-style seating
Learn in style – Classrooms are packed with mini-libraries, super-curricular reading, online course suggestions, and interactive whiteboards to make learning fun.
Plan your future – Our independent careers advisor is right at the heart of the building, ready to give impartial guidance whenever you need it.
At St Leonard’s Sixth Form, you’ll find the perfect mix of study, fun, and freedom to grow. Come see for yourself!
Parental Presentation: UCAS Applications
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Updated | 13th October, 2025 |
It is a pleasure to share with you the outcome of our recent Catholic School Inspection. It is a credit to the entire community – families, pupils, staff and our parishes – to be graded ‘Outstanding across all areas’. You can read the report here and an accompanying letter from Mr Simmons here.
Published: November 6, 2025
The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is an exempt charity. It is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under company registration number 07890590. The registered office address is Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education HQ, Barmston Court, Turbine Business Park, Nissan Way, Washington, SR5 3NY.
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2nd October: Open Evening: We look forward to welcoming everyone this evening. Parking at County Hall car park, doors open at 5:30 on our temporary site, talks begin at 6pm.


