Sixth form students at Runnymede benefit from the expertise of a dedicated team of staff who guide them through the university applications process, whether they are applying to the UK, USA, Spain or worldwide.
The close collaboration between our University Coordinator, two Co-Heads of Sixth Form and the Headmaster, as well as form tutors and subject teachers, means our students are supported every step of the way: from selecting courses and institutions, to writing personal statements and filling out applications. The Headmaster takes a keen personal interest in ensuring every student at Runnymede has the opportunity to apply to the higher education institutions which are right for them.
Students receive detailed advice on how to write their UCAS personal statements, and they work closely with their referee to complete an application which highlights their academic and extracurricular skills and achievements.
With an enviable record of securing places for our students at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the school offers specialised support for viable Oxbridge candidates – including recommended reading lists, advice on courses and colleges, and mock interviews. This support is directed by members of staff who themselves attended Oxford or Cambridge.
We are delighted that so many of our students go on to study at other top universities in the UK, including Imperial, UCL and Warwick. We host representatives from these institutions at structured events throughout the academic year, at which our students are able to receive targeted advice and have their specific questions answered. These events, in addition to higher education conferences attended by our staff, reinforce Runnymede’s strong bonds with these institutions year after year and ensure we are ahead of the curve when it comes to any developments in their admissions requirements.
We are also delighted that a growing number of students receive offers to study at world-class US universities, including Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Brown, NYU and Georgetown. Runnymede staff work with students applying to the USA to help them with their Common Application and essays, and we also offer support to students taking the SATs.
For those students wishing to apply to Spanish universities, a dedicated member of staff who maintains close contact with the UNED is on hand to guide them through every step of the process. Runnymede students go on to study at top institutions in Spain including ICADE, IE and the Complutense.
Whichever path a student might be considering, we do our utmost to support and guide them in their decision. We take advantage of our extensive database of Old Runnymedians currently studying in top-ranking universities across the globe, maintaining a close-knit network of former students who are able to offer advice and feedback, and answer any questions our sixth formers might have.
In addition to supporting our students in their transition to higher education, we also recognise the importance of preparing them for their future careers. Over the course of the academic year, we host talks and presentations from professionals such as designers, journalists, bankers and engineers, who are leaders in their field. Summer work placements are available for students completing Years 11 and 12, giving our students opportunities to gain invaluable experience in enterprises and NGOs in Spain and beyond.
Summer placements are available for students completing Years 11 and 12, giving our students opportunities to complete internships at businesses and NGOs in Spain and beyond.
