The Flagpole

With the ongoing Coronovirus situation, it is unrealistic to expect work experience placements to take place this summer.

Normal practice is for the current Year 10 and 11 pupils to take part in placements, and many pupils had already secured opportunities. Very many thanks to all of the parents who had helped their son/daughter to arrange a placement; hopefully many will be able to go on the 'backburner' until it is safe for them to take place. 

If possible we would encourage pupils to see if their placements can go ahead at October half term this year; this would be for current Year 11 (Year 12 by October), and Year 10 (Year 11 by October).

We do realise that the current situation is very uncertain for many places of work. If you are able to rearrange the placement please let Mr Taylor or Mrs Quinney know. We will provide more information to pupils and parents in due course.

Mike Taylor
Work Experience

UCAS.com has a wealth of information to help you make sense of the application process, as well as a monthly parents’ newsletter. Sign up here to receive all their latest news.

Also, if you’re confused about what loans are available for students and how much you’ll be expected to pay then visit this link at MoneySavingExpert.com for plenty of helpful advice.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers

Whilst the College is closed, Jacqui Quinney, our Head of Careers, will still be providing the following services remotely:

Year 10

Careers Interviews will continue by phone during the school day. Interview times will be emailed directly to pupils on their school email and pupils will be phoned at home at the allocated time. They will need access to the internet preferably using a computer or tablet (not a phone) during the call.

Year 11

Any careers related queries, please email jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk 

Lower Sixth

Students will still be supported as they prepare to make university applications or apply to higher level and degree apprenticeships.

One-to-one interviews will continue by phone – times will be emailed to individual students.

Resources relating to personal statements, choosing universities, choosing a course etc will be sent to students as appropriate, using Teams.

Upper Sixth

Please email any queries regarding university or jobs to jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk

Student Finance applications for students starting their university study later this year are open now.

Please see below some top application tips.

Gather together the right information
To apply, students will need to gather the following information:

·         Passport (or original birth/adoption certificate)

·         University and course details

·         National Insurance number

·         Bank details

Parents who are supporting the application may find it helpful to have their P60 and any other income information to hand.

Apply early
Students should apply early to ensure that you receive your loan payments in time for the start of the university term. You can do this by visiting www.gov.uk/student-finance

If you are planning to take a gap year, then you don’t need to apply now; you will need to make your application at this time next year.

Apply even if you don’t have a confirmed place
It doesn’t matter if you haven't yet decided where it is you want to study. Just apply using your current first choice and this can be updated easily later through your online account.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers