Student Futures

Choosing GCSE subjects is one of the first significant academic decisions that Middle School students make.

The Futures Team helps students consider their interests, strengths and possible future pathways. Students can explore how different subjects relate to further study and the world of work. They also learn that many subjects develop skills that apply to a wide range of careers.

The aim is to help each student make a balanced and informed choice. They should feel confident in their decisions while keeping future possibilities open.

As students approach Upper School, they receive guidance about the pathways and subjects available to them.

The team helps students think about how their choices relate to their interests and future plans. However, students do not need to have a fixed career in mind. Our guidance gives them space to explore while also understanding where particular choices may lead.

Working alongside academic staff and tutors, the Futures Team helps each student build a programme that is both ambitious and appropriate for them.

Students considering university receive guidance throughout the research and application process. 

The Futures Team helps them explore courses, universities and different ways of learning. Students can discuss entry requirements, compare options and consider what matters most to them. This may include course content, teaching style, location, campus life and future opportunities. 

Students applying through UCAS receive structured support with each stage of their application. They also have opportunities to attend university events, talks and workshops. 

In addition, Oakham supports applications to universities outside the UK. This includes Europe, North America and other international destinations.

University is only one of many possible routes after school. Therefore, students can also explore degree apprenticeships, school-leaver programmes, employment and gap years.

Degree apprenticeships combine paid work with university-level study. However, vacancies and application processes vary between employers. The Futures Team helps students identify suitable opportunities and prepare strong applications.

Support may include:

• Finding relevant vacancies
• Preparing a CV
• Completing application forms
• Practising aptitude and psychometric tests
• Developing interview skills

Students can also discuss other options, including employment or a structured gap year. The focus is always on finding the route that best suits the individual.

Careers guidance helps students connect their education with the wider world.

Through the Futures programme, students explore different industries, roles and ways of working. They also learn how their academic subjects, co-curricular activities and personal experiences help them develop useful skills.

As students grow older, this guidance becomes increasingly personal. Individual meetings give them time to discuss ideas, investigate options and review their plans.

Careers education also takes place through tutorials, pastoral learning, talks, fairs and events across the School.

Work experience gives students a valuable insight into working life. It can help them explore a possible career, understand a workplace and develop confidence.

The Futures Team helps students prepare for work experience and make the most of the opportunity. Support includes guidance on applications, CVs and covering letters.

Students can apply for placements sourced through the School. They can also arrange their own placements, with support from the team.

Most importantly, students reflect on what they have learned. Even discovering that a particular career is not right for them can be a useful step forward.

Some university courses and destinations require additional preparation. Oakham provides specialist support for students considering:

• The universities of Oxford and Cambridge
• Medicine, veterinary science, dentistry and other clinical courses
• Universities in North America
• Universities in Europe and elsewhere overseas
• Courses with interviews, admissions tests or portfolio requirements

Support can include subject mentoring, application guidance, workshops and interview preparation. Students receive advice based on the specific requirements of their chosen route.

In the Sixth Form, we encourage all students with outstanding GCSE results to consider an application to either Cambridge or Oxford Universities. Some students’ ambitions will lie elsewhere, but for those who do wish to make an application, we provide a range of support and guidance.

Our aim is to help Oxbridge aspirants to demonstrate their academic potential in the most effective way possible in their applications. Each applicant is mentored both by a subject specialist in their chosen area of study and the Senior Academic Mentor.

Around a dozen Form 7 students apply for clinical courses – mainly medicine – each year. We have a busy programme of events and activities for students considering clinical courses, including the Royal School of Medicine Careers Day (held at Oakham), lectures, mock interviews, personal statement workshops and more.

There are Old Oakhamians training to be doctors, veterinary surgeons and dentists at Bristol, Imperial College, Nottingham and Sheffield, among many other UK universities. In addition, former students regularly receive offers to study medicine abroad.

Futures support does not end when a student leaves Oakham. Former students who decide to apply to university after leaving can seek guidance with their applications for up to three years. This is particularly helpful for those who take a gap year or reconsider their plans.

This continued support reflects our commitment to helping students find the right next step, even when that decision takes more time.

Oakham students progress to a wide range of universities, courses, apprenticeships and other opportunities in the UK and overseas.

Their destinations reflect the breadth of interests and ambitions within the School. They also show that there is no single definition of success after Oakham.