Destinations

It is worth finding out where students go when they leave a school. This will tell you what kind of aspirations the school is instilling in its students and what kind of careersThe subject of Careers consists of information and guidance provided to students on employment optionsTaking place in Year 9* options is the process where students choose which subjects they wish to study at key stage 4*. English, Maths, Science, RE*, Citizenship* and ICT* are not normally optional. Students can normally opt for a number of other subjects depending on the school’s curriculum. There is normally no guarantee that students will be given the subjects they opt for.. the school is preparing them for.

• A school with a 6th formThe 6th form is for key stage 5* students age 16 to 18 studying ‘A’ LevelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally.* or vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus.* qualifications, such as a BTECA BTEC is a vocational* qualification which is usually completed at Key Stage 4* or 5* and can be equivalent to GCSEs or 'A' levelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally..* or NVQs, - National VocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. Qualifications., where most students go on to university, is clearly an academic institution. Check university take up levelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally. if your child is likely to be academic.
• A school which has a variety of destinations for students, with or without a 6th formThe 6th form is for key stage 5* students age 16 to 18 studying ‘A’ LevelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally.* or vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus.* qualifications, such as a BTECA BTEC is a vocational* qualification which is usually completed at Key Stage 4* or 5* and can be equivalent to GCSEs or 'A' levelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally..* or NVQs, - National VocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. Qualifications., some going on to FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*. or HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form., taking academic and vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. subjects at college, students going on to employment, some beginning apprenticeshipsAs employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 and not in full-time education can apply. shows that the institution celebrates diversity, and encourages students of all abilities and aptitudes to flourish.
• A school where very few students go on to FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*. or HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form. suggests an institution that is not academic, and it could suggest a school which has failed to foster ambition or a love of learning. A school where most students go on to work related courses suggests a vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. bias.However, this could be the right school for your child, if you think that they are more likely to succeed in an FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*. or HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form. vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. course.
• Some students will not go on to FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*. or HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form.. It is important to find out what record your chosen school has in moving students straight into employment. If over 5% of leavers are unemployed, then that is a cause for concern.
• A school where most of the students who do go on to FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*. or HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form. go to the same colleges and institutions suggests that clear progression routes have been established. This might be the right school for your child, if you feel they would lack confidence about going on to further or higher educationHEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form., Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th formThe 6th form is for key stage 5* students age 16 to 18 studying ‘A’ LevelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally.* or vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus.* qualifications, such as a BTECA BTEC is a vocational* qualification which is usually completed at Key Stage 4* or 5* and can be equivalent to GCSEs or 'A' levelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally..* or NVQs, - National VocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. Qualifications.. , as they would be accompanied by students they knew following the same path. However, it could also be that the school has not fostered a sense of ambition in its students, and has given them rather provincial aspirations. It is a cause for concern if students just go to the local FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*. or HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form. institution, because they have not been given the confidence or information about the other optionsTaking place in Year 9* options is the process where students choose which subjects they wish to study at key stage 4*. English, Maths, Science, RE*, Citizenship* and ICT* are not normally optional. Students can normally opt for a number of other subjects depending on the school’s curriculum. There is normally no guarantee that students will be given the subjects they opt for..
• A school should have careersThe subject of Careers consists of information and guidance provided to students on employment optionsTaking place in Year 9* options is the process where students choose which subjects they wish to study at key stage 4*. English, Maths, Science, RE*, Citizenship* and ICT* are not normally optional. Students can normally opt for a number of other subjects depending on the school’s curriculum. There is normally no guarantee that students will be given the subjects they opt for.. advice which helps students to choose the FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*., HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form. or employment route which suits them best. The school should enable students to choose the right courses. Competition for students is keen in both the FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*. and HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form. sectors. It is important that schools provide their students with high quality objective advice to assist them in making informed decisions.
• It is important to look at the careersThe subject of Careers consists of information and guidance provided to students on employment optionsTaking place in Year 9* options is the process where students choose which subjects they wish to study at key stage 4*. English, Maths, Science, RE*, Citizenship* and ICT* are not normally optional. Students can normally opt for a number of other subjects depending on the school’s curriculum. There is normally no guarantee that students will be given the subjects they opt for.. and the FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*. and HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form. subjects students are choosing. If some subject areas are poorly represented, this suggests that those school departments are not fostering enthusiasm and aspiration in students.
• A preponderance of destinations in one subject, for example, PE, BTECs in Leisure and Tourism, jobs in Leisure Centres, signings for football teams, and PE ‘A’ LevelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally., it shows that the school is strong in that curriculum area. A specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. school should have students pursuing the specialism at FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*. and HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form..

Further Information

Prospectus

A school prospectus should carry a list of students’ destinations for the previous year.

Open Evening

Talk to the member of staff with responsibility for careersThe subject of Careers consists of information and guidance provided to students on employment optionsTaking place in Year 9* options is the process where students choose which subjects they wish to study at key stage 4*. English, Maths, Science, RE*, Citizenship* and ICT* are not normally optional. Students can normally opt for a number of other subjects depending on the school’s curriculum. There is normally no guarantee that students will be given the subjects they opt for... Speak to some Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old. students, or 6th formers. Ask them about their aspirations. Ask them which FEFE, Further Education is education at 6th form level, Years 12 and 13*. or HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form. institutions exstudents attend. Speak to a member of senior managementAlso sometimes known as ‘Senior Leadership Team' (SLT), or ‘Senior Team’. The senior Management are the staff who lead a school.The team usually consists of a head teacher, Deputy head teachers, and assistant head teachers. The number of assistants and deputies depends on the size of the school. about the destinations of students. Ask to speak to the current Head of YearA student will be in a year group from Years 7 to 11 or 13*.They might also be in a houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.*. A houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is a team that students are organised into, usually for reasons of group loyalty or inter group competition. The Head of year or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is responsible for a year group or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.. The Head of year usually progresses up the school with their year group, eventually becoming their Head of year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.. Less commonly, Heads of year remain stationary while the students move on, for example, a static Head of year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.. Heads of 6th formThe 6th form is for key stage 5* students age 16 to 18 studying ‘A’ LevelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally.* or vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus.* qualifications, such as a BTECA BTEC is a vocational* qualification which is usually completed at Key Stage 4* or 5* and can be equivalent to GCSEs or 'A' levelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally..* or NVQs, - National VocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. Qualifications. are normally specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. posts.The Head of year or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is usually responsible for results, behaviour and the moral and social welfare of students. After the tutorAlso known as ‘form tutor’. A tutor is a teacher who registers a class of students and oversees their moral and social welfare. They should have a close overview of each tutee’s progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured., although it is quite likely that the tutor will not teach the students in their tutor group. Tutors are often the first point of contact for parents. A tutor is line managed by a head of year* or head of houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.*.*, the head of year or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is the first person a parent would contact about their child. 11 or the Head of 6th formThe 6th form is for key stage 5* students age 16 to 18 studying ‘A’ LevelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally.* or vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus.* qualifications, such as a BTECA BTEC is a vocational* qualification which is usually completed at Key Stage 4* or 5* and can be equivalent to GCSEs or 'A' levelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally..* or NVQs, - National VocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. Qualifications.. Ask them to tell you about the usual destinations of students.

Visit/Open Evening

If students are showing you round, ask them if they have older brothers and sisters who went to the school, who have now left. Ask what these siblings went on to do. Many schools will have a board displaying HEHE, Higher Education is education at degree level or equivalent, normally undertaken after the 6th form. destinations.This may seem traditional but it shows the school takes a pride in where its students move on to after leaving.

Case Study

Summary