UCAS Parent Information

Our Sixth Form Team, along with curriculum staff and personal tutors, have been working hard throughout the year to support students in making informed decisions about their career plans. We have also been raising aspirations and encouraging students to consider Higher Education (HE) options, through exploring and making applications for university courses and higher or degree apprenticeships after their current Level 3 course.

We know that as well as the work going on in college to help students make informed choices on progression, you as parents/carers will also play an important role in supporting students to make informed choices and applications for Higher Education.

On this page you will find information, useful links and resources, which will equip you with the knowledge to best support students through this process.

Please take a look through the resources and links below, we thank you for your support. If you have any questions/queries relating to the above, please do not hesitate to contact us on the following email address [email protected]

Progression Evening (May 2026)

We are delighted to invite you to our annual Progression Evening for Year 12 students. This event will give you the opportunity to explore your next steps after Sixth Form, with a range of universities and employers on hand to share valuable advice and guidance about your future.
There will also be a dedicated presentation on the apprenticeship route, ideal for students who are still considering their options.
Please see the attached presentations from the previous year for further information on:
  • Personal Statements
  • Student Finance
  • The UCAS Process
We look forward to seeing you there and supporting you in planning your next steps.
 
 
 

Parent Student Finance

Parents and students can use the Student Finance calculator tool (available at www.gov.uk/support-child-or-partners-student-finance-application) to understand the types of student finance and how much financial support a student may be entitled to when attending university.

Important websites

Please find below links to websites that provide a wealth of information relating to opportunities after college. These range from HE options, whether that be traditional university, or looking at Higher or Degree apprenticeship opportunities. There is also information on these resources about other opportunities such as taking a gap year.

www.ucas.com -This website provides a wealth of information on all things HE related and is the site which manages the majority of HE applications through UCAS Apply and UCAS Track.

https://www.opendays.com – A one stop shop to find out about open days /virtual tours

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship – The place to search local and national apprenticeship opportunities at all levels and make online applications.

www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk – Information point of financial support available. This website is also host to the student finance calculator.

https://www.ucas.com/alternatives/gap-year/gap-years-ideas-and-things-think-about  – Here the UCAS page shares information on gap years, and lists some useful sites to consider when looking for gap year opportunities.

Students can also access the above information and further resources on their Google Classroom.

Alternatively, there are some FE/HE colleges that offer HE courses. These allow students to apply directly and therefore don’t list provision on UCAS. Riverside college is one of these, we offer an extensive list of Higher Education courses, including Higher National Certificates (HNC), Higher National Diplomas (HND), Higher Apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees, Top Up Degree and Teacher Education PCET or PGCE. You can find more information on our own HE provision on the following link: https://www.riversidecollege.ac.uk/higher-education/

We thank you again for your support, and do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.