Student Resources
Deciding what to do can be daunting, but the guidance and resources on this site are designed to help you through that process of preparing for the next phase of your professional development.
Resources
If you are unsure of which direction to go in, these resources are a good starting point for finding out what your key skills are and where they could lead in the future:
Post-16 Providers Nearby
The following websites are where to look to help guide you on the best courses for your next phase:
- Career Pilot
- National Careers Service
- Bristol Post 16 Directory - everywhere in Bristol that you can study Post 16 options
You can also speak to a Careers Advisor. This can be very helpful if you aren’t sure what to do. Call 0800 100 900.
Local colleges and sixth forms
Here are your local choices for A-Level courses and future access to university studies.
- North Bristol Post 16 Centre
- St Bede’s
- St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School - Sixth Form (smrt.bristol.sch.uk)
- Bristol Cathedral Choir School
- Welcome to Sixth Form (collegiate.org.uk) (Collegiate Scholarship Programme)
- Redmaids High School for Girls (Redmaids Scholarship programme)
- SGS – South Gloucester and Stroud College
Further education – vocational courses and apprenticeships
- City of Bristol Post 16 College
- Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy
- Digitech – Studio School
- SGS – South Gloucester and Stroud College
Useful links
- Post-16 Directory 2024 (bristol.gov.uk) - Everywhere in Bristol that you can study after GCSEs
- University of Bristol
- Boom Satsuma
- Access to Music
- Education - Bristol City FC (bcfc.co.uk)
- Bristol Rovers
Apprenticeships
- An introduction to Apprenticeships - for Parents/Carers
- Find an Apprenticeship
- Amazing Apprenticeships
- Not Going to Uni
Once you complete your post-16 course, there are many options then available to you at 18 to go onto including university, higher level apprenticeships, internships, entry-level job or you might even consider a gap year. For more information on these options, visit the below Career Pilot page.
Will I be accepted?
All courses will have entry requirements, meaning you will need to achieve certain grades in certain subjects at GCSE to be accepted on to the course. They will also require you to complete an application form, or submit a CV. Most courses will require an interview as well.
How can I prepare myself for the world of work?
Although you often do not realise it, many of the skills you learn in lessons every day help to prepare you for the world of work. Solving Pythagoras questions in maths helps develop your problem-solving abilities. You improve your creative skills by painting a beautiful picture in art or by writing a thoughtful poem in English. And your listening abilities improve in all lessons by carefully following instructions from your teachers. These skills are a good foundation in preparing for the next phase, but if you would like practice improving them further then below are some links to useful resources you can use to do so:
- Virtual Work Experience Programme with Oak National Academy
- Barclays Life Skills - a selection of resources to help you choose your next steps, and practise the key skills you need to be successful in the world of work
- NatWest Money Sense - you have all seen the TV adverts, but here is the site you can use to help you understand how manage your income
In terms of preparation directly linked to the courses, you have decided to study, make sure you visit the college or sixth form website after your GCSE exams and they will have resources to help prepare you for your chosen courses.
Mrs Melanie Powell is our Academy Careers Lead. If you wish to contact Mrs Powell please do so through hello@oasisbrightstowe.org or contact us on 0117 316 7330