Support and preparation
We provide a variety of bespoke support programmes tailored for students wishing to pursue careers in law, business, medicine and nursing.
CGA students can also apply to be on New College, Oxford’s two year Step-Up programme. CGA is one of only six London schools chosen to be in the programme which helps them to see the University of Oxford as less intimidating and more achievable.
Over 7 steps, either at CGA or at New College, students find out what being an Oxford student is really like and have regular, consistent contact with the College's Outreach team to support them to build a competitive application to top universities, whether that ends up being to the University of Oxford or not.
Many of the students on these programmes go on to receive places at Russell Group and Top 40 universities.
CLICK PICTURE FOR MORE ABOUT STEP-UP
Unique opportunities and connections.
What sets CGA apart from other sixth forms are the number of unique opportunities we qualify for because of our status as a non selective all girls' school. Studying with us will give you the edge of other applicants on the best courses and universities.
Careers and university guidance is crucial and begins in Year 12 with a series of activities, guest speakers, preparation events, and a visit to the UCAS convention. Russell group universities come to Clapton to work with you on UCAS applications throughout your time in the Sixth Form. Visits are also arranged to universities, including our partners Clare College Cambridge, Goldsmiths and the University of East London.
If you decide to look for employment or further training on completion of your studies personal careers guidance, advice and support is arranged with Ms Storey, the Clapton Girls’ Academy Careers & UCAS Coordinator.
You can contact her on: nstorey@clapton.hackney.sch.uk
Wherever you decide your future lies, we will support you every step of the way.
Oxbridge Mentoring
In Year 13, students receive support from their tutor if they choose to apply for university and students applying for medicine, law, or the University of Oxford receive extra tuition to help them prepare for the BMAT, UKCAT, LNAT, and HAT admissions tests.
We guide students through the Oxbridge application process and prepare them with subject interviews. These are designed to mimic the unseen subject-specific materials which applicants are required to respond to. This part of the interview is usually the most challenging for students as they are expected to give an insightful, articulate and analytical response under pressure. We also provide students with a personalised session with a recent Oxbridge graduate. This provides the opportunity to discuss practise and improve interview skills and techniques.
“CGA helped me to submit such a strong application. I felt so confident and prepared going into my interview”
K + Programme
Working directly with Kings College London, K+ is a two-year programme of events, activities and academic workshops created to help support your university application and provide the skills you need to reach your potential as an undergraduate student.
At the end of the two-year programme, successful students can receive lower offers for some of the most competitive courses at Kings. This opportunity can really help to take away some of the pressure and give you a little more breathing room when it comes to your exams. For example, our students have received offers such as BBB for medicine courses which usually require AAA.
“The K+ programme really helped me to get onto the course of my dreams”
Pembrooke Programme
In collaboration with Pembroke College, Oxford, the Pem-Brooke programme is an 8 months programme of demanding academic lectures and seminars provided by Oxford university academics. Students also benefit from mentoring by Pembroke college students. There is a weekend school during the Easter holidays, and the programme culminates in a week-long residential summer school held at Oxford University during which students participants in life as an Oxford undergraduate.
This intensive academic approach is successful. Students on this programme have gone on to Oxford, Cambridge and other research-intensive universities.
“The programme is really challenging, it has really pushed me academically”
Sutton Trust Programme
The Sutton Trust programme at CGA provides bright students with a taste of life at an American university. The programme is centred on an all expenses paid one week summer school in the US at either Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University or Harvard and includes introductory events and application support in the UK before and after.
“I am so excited at the prospect of studying abroad!”
SOAS Scholars
SOAS Scholars is an engaging, innovative, and rigorous programme which widens access to university and supports student success and progression. It consists of five Saturday sessions taking place on selected dates between October and March. The sessions consist of a mixture of small group project work with current SOAS students, masterclasses delivered by SOAS lecturers, and study support.
“The lectures are really engaging”
Goldsmiths Progression Scheme
Goldsmiths Progression Scheme (GPS) is a two year programme that will challenge you academically and support your journey towards higher education with a range of exciting activities and events designed for the subject you're passionate about. If you successfully complete GPS and decide to apply to Goldsmiths, you'll be eligible for a two-grade lower offer or a guaranteed interview. During your time on the scheme you'll acquire a wealth of new skills that will help you at university and beyond, including critical thinking skills and increased subject knowledge.
“I was guaranteed an interview on the course I wanted”
Women of achievement
