Destinations

Our students go on to a variety of successful destinations from Magdalen College School. We offer guidance and support throughout the sixth form for all our students to help them make an informed and well-considered choice about their next steps.  

Applying for these different progression routes can at times be confusing and intimidating, and we offer guidance, information, and support to students and parents throughout.  

Destinations	Percentage %
University	66%
Employment	18%
Apprenticeship	9%
Gap year	7%
Drama College	0.9%

Applying for university

Preparing our students for university applications starts in Year 12. We have structured guidance through our tutor time curriculum with dedicated extended learning days to practice interview techniques and help students to construct their personal statements, with workshop sessions after school throughout the year. We also have external visitors from universities such as the University of Northampton who deliver sessions on how to construct a personal statement, Alumni-students who help support our Oxbridge hopefuls alongside colleagues at MCS Oxford. We encourage our students to attend Open Days for the universities that they are interested in, and we also take all students in year 12 to the UCAS Exhibition in Bedford. 

All students who wish to apply to university usually do so through UCAS (there are some exceptions for institutions such as conservatoires). UCAS forms can be submitted from early September of year 13 every year and we hold information evenings in year 12 to support families with this.

More information on the UCAS application process please click: UCAS applications

Applying for Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are becoming a popular option for students once they have completed their A Level studies. These courses used to be seen as an ‘easy option’ as opposed to going to university. However, the expectations of an apprenticeship and the hard work and dedication that is involved allow students to develop similar skills, and if a student completes a degree apprenticeship, this will enable them to gain an undergraduate degree alongside their full-time job. 
 
As apprentices are employed to do a job, this pathway is an ideal opportunity for those students who want to progress into a particular industry that they are certain they want to work in. The study element of the apprenticeship fits around their work with students being given time to attend an education provider and study. 
 
In order to help our students understand what an apprenticeship is and make them aware of the opportunities that are available to them, we have external speakers deliver sessions,  hold an apprenticeship and careers fair in school and we also attend the Apprenticeship and Skills Show. 
 
Application dates for apprenticeships do vary and will come up at different points throughout the year. We encourage our students to use the following websites to keep track of each new opportunity that is posted: 

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship 

https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships-in-the-uk 
If you would like any additional information about apprenticeships, please see this document from UCAS: 

https://www.ucas.com/file/120301/download?token=DPdwJ0EV 

Gap years

Each year at MCS we have a selection of students who complete a gap year before going to university or entering full time employment. Gap years are incredibly important years as the experiences and skills that students gain whilst taking them are greatly appreciated by many university admissions tutors and employers.  
If students are travelling, many of the following companies can be useful in helping them to construct a clear plan for their year: 
- STA Travel - Project Trust – Africa, Asia, Latin America - A Star Future – degrees abroad - Camp International - Camp America 
 
If you would like any additional guidance about gap years, please see the following information from UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/alternatives/gap-year/gap-years-ideas-and-things-think-about