Higher Education and Careers

Tonbridge School is unusual in that it employs a full time Universities and Careers Adviser, who is also assisted by other members of staff who have specialist knowledge of particular careers, universities or subjects. The boys also receive considerable guidance from their Housemasters, who build up extensive experience and play a major part in shaping and directing boys' ideas about their futures.

The University and Careers offices and library are open all day in term time and have a suite of computers which are linked to the school network. There is a wide selection of literature on careers and all forms of higher and further education and gap years.

There is a structured careers and higher education programme (XLSX, 13.9 KB) which starts at the end of the novi year (third year) when boys are choosing the GCSEs. The main focus is in the Fifth form and Sixth Forms.

Fifth Form

Psychometric Testing: Traditionally most boys complete the Morrisby psychometric tests and interest questionnaires early in the Michaelmas term. After computer analysis a detailed personal report is produced, commenting on strengths, weaknesses, interests, and ambitions. Later in the Michaelmas term all those who took Morrisby Tests are interviewed individually by outside Careers Consultants and the test results are analysed and discussed. In addition to examining possible career options, AS and A2 level choices are discussed to see that these would be appropriate. The full report is then sent to parents at the end of the Michaelmas term.

AS Level Choices: At the end of the Michaelmas Term of the Fifth Form, all boys and their parents receive a pamphlet describing the 'AS' Level subjects available and giving advice on choice of subjects and combinations. A time is set aside at the beginning of the Lent term for boys to talk to members of staff and the University and Careers Adviser as to the appropriateness of their choices, both in terms of their academic ability and with reference to their university course choices. A few days later parents attend the Fifth Form parents' evening which allows for more exchange of ideas and guidance. This is followed by an exeat after which boys hand in their 'AS' Level choices, confirmed by their parents.

Compulsory Work Experience Week: All Fifth Form boys undertake a five day period of work experience at the end of GCSEs. Boys can arrange their own work experience (this is preferable, as long as it does not involve working with immediate family), or placements can be found through the school, using an outside agency.

Careers Evenings: About five such evenings are arranged during the year, each focusing on one major Career area such as Law, Medicine Engineering, The City etc.. Aimed at the Fifth and Lower Sixth forms, all are invited to hear an admissions tutor and employer present career details, requirements and advice. We use recent Old Tonbridgians as well as more established members of the different careers areas. Parents are also invited to attend. The evening is led by the Universities and Careers Adviser, and other members of the Common Room with expertise in that area.

Lower Sixth Form Induction: Following the work experience week, and before the end of the Summer term there are three days of induction, in which boys are given an introduction to their AS course, as well as participating in a number of study skills and leadership exercises.

Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth

American Universities: Admissions Early in the Michaelmas term there is an ‘American Universities Evening’ for boys who are or may be considering attending an American university. An expert on American Universities gives a talk, and each year we hope to secure an admissions tutor from an American University. The evening is open to boys and parents across all years. Following this the University and Careers Adviser offers support and advice on applications throughout the year, including preparation for the SATs (American university admissions tests).

Oxbridge Evening: In the Lent Term there is an ‘Oxbridge’ evening for candidates and their parents who are considering an application to Oxford or Cambridge. The evening is comprised of visiting speakers from the universities and an opportunity to ask questions.

The UCAS Procedure: Beginning in the Lent term of the Lower Sixth year the boys are introduced, through a series of seminar and talks, to the UCAS process. Advice is given on the procedures, and how to make an effective application. At the end of the Summer Term of the L6th there is an extensive programme covering student finance, personal statement writing, gap years and how to make a success of university life. As the boys move into the U6th they are given full support through the application process from filling in the UCAS form to accepting offers and attending university.

Universities Evening: In the Summer term, there is a Universities Evening to which all Lower Sixth Form parents and boys are invited. The Headmaster and the University and Careers Adviser give short talks, and there is further advice from invited Admissions Tutors and an Old Tonbridgian who is currently at university.

Work Experience: During the holidays Lower Sixth Form boys are encouraged to spend time doing work experience. This plays an increasingly important part in university admissions and while it is a good idea to try to find a placement which is pertinent to your preferred university subject, it is by no means necessary. All work experience is valuable.

Interview Training: Each academic department offers ‘Oxbridge’ interview training, and there is also provision for additional (and more general) interview training by an outside agency.

Gap Years: Gap years are increasingly popular and opportunities and advice are offered to boys throughout the Sixth Forms.. Opportunities for voluntary work, teaching, working and travelling are emailed to boys throughout their Upper Sixth year by the Universities and Careers Adviser.

The Higher Education Guide: A fully detailed and comprehensive Higher Education Guide is available to the parents and boys of Tonbridge School. It is accessed through the internal intranet, and also through the Parents' Portal.

Anna Rogers
Universities & Careers Adviser
ar@tonbridge-school.org