University & Futures Info
Year 12 Futures Evening 2026 - Tuesday 3rd March 2026
It was wonderful to welcome so many parents and carers to our Futures Evening for 2027 applications, featuring guidance on applying to university and apprenticeships. Slides from the evening can be viewed below. It includes a step-by-step guide on applying to university via UCAS, comparing courses using Unifrog, and preparing personal statements. It outlines key deadlines, open days, and financial considerations such as tuition fees. It features helpful information exploring degree apprenticeships, their benefits, and application processes. Additionally, it provides resources for researching career options, work experience, and university financial planning.
Futures Evening Presentation 2026
For further information, please contact Futures and Careers Coordinator, Robyn Boyd rboyd@hinchleywoodschool.co.uk.
Parental support has always been central to the success of Hinchley Wood School. Over the years, the time, skills, experience, and connections generously shared by many parents have made an invaluable contribution to enriching the life of the school and opportunities for the students.
If you can provide valuable careers experience to our students please submit your details in this form and we will come back to you.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are an excellent alternative to University; apprentices are paid from day one and have work experience in the career of their choice, as well as studying for a qualification up to, and including, degree level.
Student Presentation on Apprenticeships Part 1
Student Presentation on Apprenticeships Part 2
Useful Links:
Higher & Degree Vacancy Listing UCAS Apprenticeships
Find an Apprenticeship on the government website - gov.uk
Unifrog Apprenticeships
Amazing Apprenticeships
Institute for Apprenticeships - iFATE
Work Experience
2026 Work Experience Week: 29th June - 3rd July.
Year 12 students are expected to undertake a work experience placement during the summer term.
Students are encouraged to find their own work experience placements, they are supported to do so by the Futures and Careers Coordinator, who also holds a bank of industry contacts that can be utilised if needed.
Work Experience - What is it and Where to Find It?
Work Experience - How to Contact Employers
Oxbridge Programme
Hinchley Wood Sixth Form runs a comprehensive Oxbridge Programme for Years 12 and 13.
Students with the relevant academic profile are invited to join the Oxbridge Group in Year 12. The group meets fortnightly to:
- Discuss ideas to develop their ability to think, problem solve and reason effectively in areas beyond the curriculum
- Deliver Presentations on an area of their specialist subject that they have independently researched
- Practice past entrance exam papers.
- Receive guidance on the application and selection process, additional reading, lectures, master classes, summer schools and other activities to thoroughly prepare them for their application.
OMS (Oxford Mentoring Scheme) is an online mentoring scheme which all candidates are encouraged to apply for. This provides regular online meetings with a current Oxford Undergraduate in the students’ specialist subject and 2 or 3 students from other schools. The Undergrad facilitates discussions, sets tasks and answers questions on the academic subject, admissions process and interviews.
Mock interviews are undertaken with all candidates often including external subject experts.
Enrichment Tutorials are offered to applicants from the group covering 8 weekly sessions delivered by two Oxford graduates on the history of thought, from The Enlightenment to Postmodernism, and include consideration of politics, art, literature, music and philosophy, culminating with an individual tutorial.
Subject Specialist Tutorials are offered by teachers at the school and replicate Oxbridge tutorials and interviews, challenging students to question and think more deeply about their chosen subject.
Visits:
- We take students to Oxford for a day’s visit which includes two subject lectures and tour of the Colleges.
- A representative from Oxford visits to speak to the group about admissions, interviews, the application process and life at Oxford.
- Hinchley Wood Alumnae, studying at Oxford, return to the school to talk to the group about their experiences.
For more information on this please contact Dr. Caroline Whitehouse, Oxbridge Coordinator, CWhitehouse@hinchleywoodschool.co.uk
Partnership with Procter & Gamble
Headstart Programme for Year 12
In Year 12, students are invited to participate in a project called the 'Headstart Programme' with multinational company Procter and Gamble, where they will step into the role of a P&G sales team launching an exciting new product. As part of this challenge, they will choose a retailer to pitch their product to and have a £1 million budget to plan the launch.
Throughout the project, they will develop key skills in finance, marketing, and sales, guided by industry insights. Creativity is strongly encouraged, alongside strategic thinking.
At the end of the project, students will deliver a 7-10 minute presentation, ensuring that each team member contributes. They will also take part in a 5-minute Q&A session to showcase their understanding and ability to respond to challenges. P&G then announces winners and gives out a small prize to those who have won.
Corporate Breakfast with P&G Degree Apprentices
In Sixth Form, we host three corporate breakfast events each year, one of which is held in partnership with Procter & Gamble. During this event, P&G apprentices and staff join our students for an informal breakfast and conversation. This provides our sixth formers with the opportunity to ask questions, gain insights into careers at P&G, and explore potential pathways. In turn, P&G can share information about their degree apprenticeship program and connect with potential future applicants.
For more information on this partnership please contact Robyn Boyd, rboyd@hinchleywoodschool.co.uk
