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Post 18 Options
At Chiltern Hills Academy, we know that leaving Sixth Form is an exciting time filled with big decisions. Whether you’re considering university, an apprenticeship, employment, or a gap year, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Every Year 12 student has a personal one-to-one careers guidance interview with our Careers Adviser, alongside tailored events and workshops. These opportunities help you to explore your options, raise aspirations, and feel confident about the next stage of your journey.
At a Glance: Your Post 18 Options
Your Next Steps
- Higher Education – University or specialist college study
- Apprenticeships – Earn while you learn
- Employment – Paid work with training
- Internships – Gain valuable work experience
- Gap Year – Travel, volunteering or employment
Watch the 2-minute Unifrog video to explore your options, then discover more in the sections below.
Discover your Your Post 18 Options
Your future is full of possibilities. At Chiltern Hills Academy, we’ll help you explore every option so you can make the choice that’s right for you.
University
University can open doors to a wide range of career paths and personal opportunities. It’s a chance to deepen your knowledge, meet new people, and experience life beyond school.
We support students through the whole process:
- UCAS information evenings for students and families
- Personal statement workshops
- Step-by-step guidance from partners such as Oxford Brookes University
- University taster sessions and trips (recent visits include Oxford University, Reading University and Bucks New University)
In 2023, our Year 13 students secured places at top universities including Southampton, Leeds, Nottingham, York, Birmingham, Manchester and Reading.
“The support I had with my personal statement was brilliant. I felt prepared for every stage of the UCAS process and I’m now studying at my first-choice university.” — Year 13 leaver
We also use Unifrog, an award-winning online careers platform. Every student has their own account, giving access to tools that help compare courses, draft personal statements, record work experience, and shortlist choices in the UK and abroad.
University Application Resources
We have put together some useful resources for your University application.
Create your shortlist of Universities with Unifrog
How to structure your personal statement
Writing your personal statement
10 questions to ask at an Open Day
Job Profiles by degree subject
If you are unsure about a course, provider or student life, you can talk to students already studying on UCAS and Unifrog.
Higher & Degree Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a fantastic route for students who want to gain hands-on experience while studying towards a qualification.
- Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4–7) are equivalent to a foundation degree and above.
- Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6–7) lead to a full bachelor’s or master’s degree.
These opportunities often last 3–6 years, include paid employment, and don’t come with student debt — tuition costs are usually covered by employers. Apprenticeships are now available across more than 1,500 occupations in 170 different industries.
At CHA, we host apprenticeship awareness events, guest speakers, and mock interview workshops to ensure students feel well-prepared.
“I never thought I’d go down the apprenticeship route, but with the guidance from CHA I found a programme that suits me perfectly. I’m gaining real-world experience while working towards a degree — it’s the best of both worlds.” — Year 13 leaver
Find out everything you need to know about Apprenticeships at Unifrog Apprenticeships, Amazing Apprenticeships, our Apprenticeships section of the website and by watching this 2-minute video from Unifrog.
Other Pathways (Employment, Internships, Gap Year)
University isn’t the only route. Many students thrive through other opportunities such as:
- Employment – starting work, often with training from employers
- Internships – short-term placements to build skills and test out industries
- Gap Years – volunteering, travel, or work to gain independence and experience before your next step
We provide practical advice and resources to help students and families explore all these options and make informed choices.
“As a parent, I was reassured to see how many pathways were available for my child. The careers team took the time to explain each option and support us through the decision-making process.” — Year 12 parent