Each year, on average 70% of our year 13 cohorts apply to university and are successful in attaining a place. This page gives you some advice about where to start if you are thinking of applying to university. Most students who don't choose this university will apply for apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships after A levels.

Apprenticeship opportunities come up from about February/March each year. We advertise apprenticeships via the student bulletin and offer a range of support in school, including interview practice and support writing applications.

The UCAS website is the main site with which to apply to university. Some specialist universities in Art or Music may request applications through their own institute, but this is rare. Additionally, our students are regularly advised and supported through Tutor sessions throughout the year. As UCAS is changing to include apprenticeships in the future, we recommend all students fill out a UCAS application form and set up an account with them, even if they are not thinking of going to university.

For more information please email Post 16 at: vtwine@coombedean.co.uk

Contextual Offers

Contextual offers are those made when universities take into account your personal circumstances when considering your application. For example, access schemes and alternative offers may be available to help you get into university. Alternative offers can be as much as two grades lower. 

We work closely the following universities. These universities may sometimes award Coombe Dean students contextual offers:

• Oxford University https://www.ox.ac.uk/
• Falmouth University https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/
• Plymouth Marjon University https://www.marjon.ac.uk/
• Plymouth University https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/
• Exeter University https://www.exeter.ac.uk/
• Cardiff University https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/
• University of South Wales https://www.southwales.ac.uk/
• Cardiff Metropolitan University https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/
• Bournemouth University https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/
• Southampton University https://www.southampton.ac.uk/
• Bristol University https://www.bristol.ac.uk/
• UWE https://www.uwe.ac.uk/

Useful Links

UCAS

https://www.ucas.com/ – main site, login and apply for University.

https://digital.ucas.com/search –  search for a variety of courses.

Support

https://www.unifrog.org – university and apprenticeship advice.

Finance

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-register-login – applying for student finance.

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/student-life/getting-student-support/undergraduate-student-finance-and-support – UCAS advice

University Choices

www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk

www.topuniversities.com