Explore University

At each of our colleges, students are supported by a dedicated Progression to Higher Education Adviser who provides expert, impartial and personalised guidance throughout the university application journey. From exploring initial ideas to submitting a strong application, students are supported every step of the way to make informed and confident decisions about their future.

In addition to the programme of support offered, one to one appointments can be booked with our Progression to Higher Education Advisers or students are welcome to drop in in for advice and information.

Progression and Support Referral Forms

Abbeygate Sixth Form College

West Suffolk College

One Sixth Form College

Swipe left and right to switch between the tabs.

Selecting the right course is one of the most important decisions students will make. We support students in researching courses carefully, considering content, assessment methods, entry requirements, and future career pathways. Our guidance ensures students choose courses that align with both their interests and long-term ambitions. Open Days are also a great way to decide if a university and its course is right for you, although we also encourage students to make the most of Offer Days at their shortlisted universities.

How to choose the right university and course

Guide to Open Days

Browse our Open Days and other events

University Centre

Subject areas also regularly provide opportunities for students to engage with universities, whether through Life Sciences, Social Sciences or Creative Industries days at the institutions themselves; visiting academics giving taster lectures; visits to workshops such as Women in Physics at Cambridge University or Chemistry in Action; or specially arranged visits such as to St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, or Imperial University Business School.

For parents and carers

Watch video guide

Colleges’ Internal Deadlines

Oxbridge / Medicine / Veterinary / Dentistry: 7^th October
All other UCAS Applications: 27^th November

Please note: applications received after the internal deadline may not be processed in time for the official UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline.

UCAS Deadlines

CUKAS Music Courses (Conservatoires): 2^nd October (check with individual institutions)
Oxbridge / Medicine / Veterinary / Dentistry: 15^th October 2026
All other UCAS applications: 13^th January 2027

All university applications are completed through UCAS, and we provide structured support to guide students through the process. This includes help with registering, selecting choices, understanding deadlines, and ensuring applications are completed accurately and submitted on time.

Both current students and leavers should link their UCAS application to our college portals using the following buzzwords:

One Sixth Form College: ONESIXTHFORM27
Abbeygate Sixth Form College: AbbeygateSFC2026
West Suffolk College: westsuffolk26

Leavers should select the Group ‘Leavers’.

Current students should select their PPT or Course name.

Reminder: internal UCAS Deadline: 27^th November (Submitting by this date means that your application is guaranteed to be submitted to UCAS by the Equal Consideration Deadline.)

Avoid common mistakes with your UCAS application – consult our checklist here.

Consult our guide to making an application through UCAS here.

Consult the UCAS Application Guide.

Leavers

Leavers should link their UCAS application to their college using the buzzwords stated above.

We are committed to supporting you with:

Checking your UCAS application form
Checking your personal statement
Updating your reference (although we will use the one we have on file)
With any guidance or information if needed

Please contact your relevant Progression to Higher Education Advisor for any support or further information required:

Abbeygate Sixth Form College: david.pulford@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk
One Sixth Form College: hollie.wimpress@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk
West Suffolk College: ryan.clarke@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk

The personal statement is a key part of any application. Students receive detailed guidance on how to craft a compelling and authentic statement that showcases their academic interests, achievements and motivation for their chosen subject. One-to-one support and feedback help students refine their writing to a high standard.

Our guide to writing your personal statement

Writing an effective personal statement

Useful sentence starters

Subject-specific personal statement guides

Our support doesn’t stop once students have submitted their UCAS application. We continue to guide students through the next stages, including help with student finance applications, understanding and using UCAS Extra and Clearing, and making informed decisions once they receive their offers.

We also offer support with preparing for university life, from student finance and budgeting to building confidence for the transition to independent life. After Results Day, we provide tailored advice to help students secure the best possible outcome.

Check out our guide to What Happens Once Your Application is Submitted

A Guide to Extra and Clearing is available here

Our Guide to Starting University can be found here

Widening participation

Widening participation programmes are designed to support students who may face barriers to higher education, such as those from lower-income backgrounds, underrepresented areas, or families with little experience of university. They are often open to students who meet specific criteria, such as attending certain schools, being eligible for free school meals, or living in areas with lower rates of university progression.

Students are supported in accessing a wide range of summer schools and university outreach programmes. These experiences help deepen subject knowledge, strengthen applications, and give valuable insight into university life. Students regularly take part in Uniq, Sutton Trust Summer Schools or programmes offered by universities both locally and nationally.

Student finance

Understanding student finance is essential. We provide clear, accessible information for both students and parents on tuition fees, maintenance loans, and repayment processes. Our aim is to ensure that financial considerations do not become a barrier to progression and that students and their families are supported in making informed decisions.

Our guide to student finance

Additional financial support (grants, bursaries and scholarships)

In addition to standard student finance, many universities offer a range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries to support students financially during their studies. These may be awarded based on academic achievement, personal circumstances, or specific talents and interests.

We guide students in researching and applying for these opportunities, helping them understand eligibility criteria and application processes. This ensures students can access all available funding and make university as affordable as possible, regardless of their background.

Additional Information on Boosting Your Uni Funding is available through our guide here

Sixth Form Association has compiled a list of bursaries for students from low income families here

The UCAS Hub and Black Bullion provide information on scholarships, grants and bursaries.

Students on a trip to Cambridge University

Competitive entry support

Aim Higher, Oxbridge and Health Hub

For students applying to highly competitive courses, such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, or Oxbridge, we offer enhanced support through programmes such as Aim Higher. This includes preparation for admissions tests, interview practice, and tailored application advice.

Aim Higher, Oxbridge and Health Hub