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Post 16 Opportunities
Westbourne’s comprehensive careers education programme for Years 7-11 supports pupils and parents in navigating options to Post-16 opportunities.
"The students that join us are of the highest calibre and without exception some of the brightest, most talented and hardest working students in our sixth form; they are always of good character and settle quickly into our Notre Dame learning community. They come with a broad range of skills, including excellent communication, resilience and perseverance to be the best they can be. Unsurprisingly, Westbourne students leaving us at year 13, enjoy a variety of progression routes that include some of the most competitive courses at the country’s highest regarded universities. We are blessed to enjoy a continued close relationship with Westbourne School, and look forward to welcoming their fantastic students to our Sixth Form long into the future"
Martyn Birch, Head of Sixth Form at Notre Dame High School
"At Birkdale, we’ve been privileged to welcome many Westbourne students who arrive with the confidence, leadership skills, and work ethic that sets them apart. They integrate seamlessly into our Sixth Form, contributing to a vibrant and motivated community. The smooth transition from Westbourne to Birkdale is a testament to the excellent preparation students receive, and we are proud to continue this partnership as many Westbourne pupils go on to succeed in their academic and career pursuits.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with Westbourne, supporting their students in reaching their fullest potential in the years to come."
Jane Grant, Head of Careers at Birkdale
At Westbourne, our commitment to guiding pupils towards successful futures extends well beyond their GCSEs. From Year 7 onwards, we offer tailored careers advice to help pupils identify their strengths, explore their options, and make informed decisions about their next steps. With strong partnerships with post 16 providers and organisations, we ensure that our pupils receive the very best guidance in preparation for their future pathways. We also invite guest speakers from various industries to inspire pupils, broadening their understanding of potential career paths and helping them approach their futures with confidence.
A structured careers education programme is delivered through PSHE lessons from Year 7 to Year 11, equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills to make well-informed career choices. This is partly supplemented through our online platform: UniFrog.
This annual event provides pupils with valuable insights into a wide range of career opportunities, helping them consider their futures in a more informed way. They sign up to those areas which interest them most and have the opportunity to discuss with, and pose questions to, a variety of professionals.
The annual Careers Fair offers pupils the opportunity to meet with a variety of employers, training providers, and post-16 options, gaining a clearer understanding of their future choices.
Pupils have access to specialist advice from an independent Careers Advisor, ensuring they receive impartial guidance tailored to their individual needs.
The Independent Careers Advisor is available at Year 11 parents' evenings for individual consultations with pupils and their families, offering personalised advice on next steps.
In October, all Year 11 pupils attend a workshop led by the Independent Careers Advisor, where they explore post-16 options and the best pathways for their future.
Online Resources
Westbourne provides access to the UCAS Progress website, offering up-to-date career guidance. This resource is available to pupils from the end of Year 10 through Year 11, helping them to navigate their choices effectively.
Sixth Form Presentations
Heads of Sixth Form from various schools and colleges are invited to Westbourne to speak directly with pupils, providing further insight into their options after Year 11.
“King Ecgbert School is proud to be associated with Westbourne School. Over the years, we have been proud to complete the schooling of many students who sat their GCSEs at Westbourne. They come to us with fine qualities of scholarship and interpersonal skills which means they fit in very quickly with us and we are proud to enable them to follow their dreams post-18.”
Paul Haigh, Headmaster, King Ecgbert School
Parents and pupils receive regular updates about open evenings, careers events, and information through our Friday Flyer, ensuring they are well-informed throughout the process.
Most of our pupils secure places at their first-choice sixth form, as we offer completely impartial advice and guidance, considering all options to best suit each pupil’s needs. While we do not have a sixth form at Westbourne, we encourage pupils to explore all available options by attending Open Evenings and events before making applications.
Our pupils often choose to attend a wide range of top local schools and colleges such as Silverdale, King Edward’s, High Storrs, Notre Dame, Tapton, UTC, King Ecgberts, Lady Manners, and Thomas Rotherham School. Some pupils opt for BTEC or A Levels at Chesterfield College or Sheffield College, while others pursue opportunities at Boarding Schools.
Each year, we are proud to celebrate pupils who are awarded prestigious scholarships to private sixth forms, including neighbouring Birkdale Sixth Form.
Many Westbourne pupils go on to attend top universities, with a significant number securing offers from Oxbridge and the Russell Group. Sheffield offers an excellent range of state schools, colleges, training providers, and independent schools with sixth forms, catering to all pathways – whether it’s A Levels, BTEC, or apprenticeships – providing ample options for pupils to pursue their desired career route.
“At Westbourne School, pupils emerge well-rounded, well-prepared and academically ambitious. The commitment to small class sizes fosters a nurturing environment where each child can thrive and reach their full potential. It’s like being part of an extended family.”
Dan Harrison, Headmaster, Sedbergh School
