‘The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It is not a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disgrace to not reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for.’ Benjamin Mays
At the Abbey we recognise that each student is special with her own unique set of qualities. Having gained a range of GCSEs and embarked on their chosen AS/A2 or IB subjects each student is carefully monitored and guided throughout her time in the Sixth Form. Each girl is encouraged to develop a work hard/play hard attitude and to embrace opportunities.
University Applications
Students are helped with university applications every step of the way to ensure that each girl chooses the right course at the right university for her. They are encouraged to keep us informed of their progress at university and throughout their careers. Indeed many ‘Old Girls’ return to the Abbey to take part in our biannual Careers Conference and always speak very fondly of their time here. We offer individual advice to students throughout the year and encourage them to use the extensive resources available to them. Some PSCHE time is devoted to UCAS applications in order to maximise students' chances of successful placement on the course of their choice.
The Higher Education Room in the Sixth Form Centre contains prospectuses from every UK University and some from colleges offering specialised courses e.g. Nursery Nurses, Art Foundation and horticulture. There are individual college guides from several of the Oxbridge colleges. Up-to-date UCAS guides list the entrance requirements for each course, and a range of resources help students make the right decisions on subject choices at IB or A Level and at University. There are also books on specific careers e.g. Law and information about GAP year opportunities.Girls are encouraged to record their interview experiences during the UCAS applications procedure and this information has been compiled for the benefit of future students.
Events
Every year, Abbey Old Girls and visiting speakers give several informal talks about their experiences of Higher Education and GAP years. There is also a more formal Higher Education Evening and an Oxbridge Evening which provide detailed information and motivation for the Sixth Formers.
Please find below the destination of Leavers and our graduate results.