News: How High Pavement prepares you for university!

From personal statements and advice on extra-curricular activities, to preparation for interviews; our friendly, expert staff are on hand to help gudie you through the university application process from the very start. 

A common question we get at Open Evenings is ​‘What should I study if I don’t know what I want to do after A Levels?’

Think about subjects you enjoy and excel in. A Level study is demanding, but if you have certain GCSE subjects you are good at and enjoy then you are setting yourself up for a positive study experience at A Level. Think about the transferable skills certain subjects can offer you as these are things universities and employers look at favourably. For example, studying maths or science allows you to develop analytical skills, and subjects such as English and Sociology allow you to develop critical thinking and build on skills such as essay and report writing.

If you start an A Level course with us but want to change your mind, we do allow you to swap within the first six weeks too (as long as the course isn’t full). If you’ve applied and want to change your mind on the subjects you’ve chosen, give us a call on 0115 9100100.

We run lots of workshops and events to help you research and consider your options. We have a team of UCAS Advisors on hand to help you draft your personal statement and guide you through the application process. If you’re considering Oxbridge, we have specialist tutors who will support you every step of the way, from initial applications and personal statements to interview preparation. Each year, we run university visits and trips to careers fairs too, which give you a taste of university life.

The great thing about A Level study with us is the fact you take ownership over your learning (with all the support of our expert tutors too). Being able to harness your independence, prioritise and plan your time effectively is a vital skill you’ll need for university and further study. Having the opportunity to put this into practice means great preparation for your future. This doesn’t mean you’re on your own though! Our tutors, wellbeing team, Achievement Coaches and Pastoral Tutors are all here to help, support and guide you every step of the way. Plus, High Pavement has all the facilities you need to succeed in your studies, including open study and social spaces, laptops to rent and a well-stocked Learning Resource Centre with textbooks you can borrow to support your studies.

We have close links with Nottingham Trent University who are based right next door. Our students regularly attend events and lectures there and the location of our building, right in the heart of NTU’s City Campus means you’re already immersed in student life.

Having evidence of extra-curricular activities make fantastic additions to your personal statement and CV and create a great picture of a well-rounded applicant. At High Pavement there’s lots of things to get involved with. Weekly tutorials and programme of study sessions include social action projects that students take the lead on, we also have enrichment activities and opportunities to get involved with our Student Union – you could even become a course rep and represent the voice of thousands of students at Senior Leadership Team meetings. Some of our students have even been to the Houses or Parliament to voice their views to government and had the opportunity to take part in guest lectures and exhibitions at local universities. We also have a Work Placement Team who work with learners to secure valuable work placement opportunities, allowing you to get hands-on experience in sectors related to your future career goals (which also looks great on university applications and your CV).

If you want to study A Levels but university isn’t for you then don’t worry! Studying at High Pavement means you become part of Nottingham College and we offer further study options up to university level, plus apprenticeships too. 

Courses at Level 4 and above are a great stepping-stone to your future and offer university level courses in a range of subjects too. Our Level 4 and 5 options are great stepping-stones that allow you to study at a higher level without committing to a full degree and higher-level apprenticeships are a great way to balance earning whilst you learn.

Considering A Levels? Online applications are now open to join us at High Pavement in September 2023. Want to visit us in person? Book your place on our Open Evening this January.