Student futures & personal pathways

The Spring term commences and so the student futures hub at Claremont becomes a place of quiet momentum and possibility for our Year 12 students. One moment, an aspiring medic carefully weighs up UCAT preparation and course structures; the next, an ambitious economist discovers—often with genuine surprise—that there is a rich landscape of degrees beyond the most familiar pathways.

There are moments of clarity, thoughtful pauses and the occasional realignment as interests are tested and refined. It is within the 1:1 student futures meetings that curiosity is given both structure and direction, allowing students to explore their ideas in a supportive, informed and purposeful setting.

These meetings sit at the heart of our provision. They are unhurried, personalised conversations designed to help students make sense of the ever-expanding world of post-18 options. Rather than expecting certainty, they create space for reflection: what subjects genuinely spark interest beyond the classroom? What reading, listening or discussion has lingered in the mind? What kinds of environments—academic, professional or practical—might allow those interests to flourish? From these questions, meaningful pathways begin to take shape.

There is a reassuring emphasis on authenticity. Students are encouraged to pursue routes that align with their strengths and intellectual curiosity, whether that leads towards a traditional undergraduate degree, a competitive degree apprenticeship, or opportunities further afield in the US, Australia or Europe. Degree courses are explored in depth, with careful attention paid to entry requirements, progression routes and the qualifications on offer, while international applications are considered with equal care for academic fit and personal readiness.

As the spring term progresses, Year 12s move forward with growing confidence and clarity. The student futures meetings provide both anchor and compass—grounding aspirations in reality while opening doors to new possibilities. The message is simple yet powerful: take time, ask thoughtful questions and engage fully with the process. With guidance, reflection and sustained curiosity, the next steps begin to feel not only manageable, but genuinely exciting.

— Written by Mrs Jones, Higher Education and Oxbridge Coordinator