Not sure what to do after Sixth Form?
A structured conversation to understand your child’s current position and identify the most appropriate next steps.
A More Competitive Landscape
Each year, around 700,000 students apply to university in the UK, with growing numbers competing for places at the most popular universities and courses. For many families, this stage can feel increasingly complex. Strong grades remain important, but they are no longer the only factor — students are also expected to demonstrate genuine subject interest, make well-informed choices, and present themselves effectively through their applications.
At the same time, degree apprenticeships are becoming a more popular option, offering excellent opportunities but with far fewer places available and highly competitive selection processes, often including interviews and assessment centres.
The financial investment in university is significant, and families are increasingly aware of the importance of making the right choices — not just in terms of where a student goes, but what they study and why. Students need greater clarity, preparation and confidence to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Without clear structure and guidance, many students navigate this process without fully understanding their options or how to present themselves effectively. I work closely with students and families to provide that structure and guidance, helping them understand their options, make informed decisions, and approach applications in a calm, clear and purposeful way.
The Challenge Facing Students Today
More Competition
Record numbers applying for the most sought-after courses and universities each year.
Higher Expectations
Strong grades alone are no longer sufficient — applications require depth, clarity and genuine engagement.
More Complex Choices
Degree apprenticeships, course selection, and institution choices all require careful, informed navigation.
About Me
I am an experienced educator and careers specialist with over 12 years' experience supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds to achieve strong post-18 outcomes, including university and degree apprenticeships. As a former Director of Sixth Form, this is where clear, experienced guidance can make a significant difference. I have worked closely with hundreds of students and families throughout the application journey, including those applying to competitive universities and pathways.
My approach is supportive, structured and non-judgemental. I focus on building clarity, confidence and high-quality applications, ensuring each student is able to achieve the best possible outcome for their goals. I listen carefully, provide clear guidance, and challenge students where needed — combining genuine encouragement with high expectations.
12+ Years' Experience
Supporting students across a wide range of backgrounds and post-18 pathways.
Former Director of Sixth Form
Deep practical experience guiding students and families through the full application journey.
Structured & Supportive
A calm, non-judgemental approach that builds genuine confidence and well-considered applications.
High Expectations
Encouraging students to reach their potential while maintaining clarity and direction throughout.
Who I Work With
I support students at different stages of their post-18 journey, working with them and their families to make confident, well-informed decisions about what comes next. Whether a student has a clear goal or is still working out their direction, I provide the structure and guidance they need to move forward purposefully.
Students Aiming for Competitive Universities
Students targeting Oxbridge, Medicine, Russell Group or other highly competitive courses benefit from support in developing strong personal statements, making thoughtful choices about courses and institutions, and preparing effectively for interviews and the wider application journey.
Students Working Towards Strong University Options
Capable and motivated students who feel unsure about their direction or how to approach applications receive clear structure and guidance across course selection, personal statements, and building confidence throughout the process.
Students Considering Degree Apprenticeships
Students exploring degree apprenticeships as an alternative pathway receive support to understand the options available and navigate a competitive process, including applications, interviews and assessment centres.
Students Who Are Unsure of Their Next Steps
Students still working out what they want to do benefit from space, structured guidance and clear support to explore their options, understand different pathways, and move forward with confidence.
What Students Gain
I support students through a clear and structured journey, helping them move from uncertainty to confident, well-prepared applications. The process is built around four key stages.
1
Clarify
Students develop a clear understanding of their options — universities, courses and degree apprenticeships — and make informed, confident decisions grounded in their interests and strengths.
2
Prepare
Students build a strong foundation through meaningful preparation, including subject knowledge, super-curricular engagement, and relevant experience that strengthens their academic profile.
3
Apply
Students are guided through choosing courses and institutions, developing high-quality personal statements, and completing applications that reflect genuine interest and a clear sense of direction.
4
Succeed
Students develop the confidence and skills to succeed in interviews and selection processes, communicating their ideas clearly and presenting themselves with confidence and authenticity.
How the Process Works
Initial Consultation
I offer an initial consultation for students and parents — a structured but informal conversation designed to understand the student's aspirations, current position and any areas of uncertainty.
Drawing on my experience supporting students through a wide range of post-18 pathways, we explore potential options including university and degree apprenticeships, and begin to identify the most appropriate next steps.
By the end of the session, both students and parents will have a clearer understanding of the options available, the level of preparation required, and how best to approach the process with confidence. This is often a helpful first step for families who are unsure where to begin.
There is no obligation to continue beyond this session. Where appropriate, I will outline how I can provide further support tailored to the student's individual needs.
What to Expect
1
A Structured Conversation
We begin by exploring the student's current position, aspirations and any areas of uncertainty — in a calm, open and non-pressured way.
2
Exploring Your Options
Together, we identify potential pathways — whether university, degree apprenticeships, or a combination — and begin to clarify which options are the best fit.
3
Clear Next Steps
By the end of the session, students and parents leave with a clearer sense of direction and a practical understanding of what comes next.
Ways I Can Support
Following the initial consultation, I offer a range of tailored programmes depending on the student's needs, stage and goals. All programmes are designed to provide structured, high-quality guidance at every step of the process.
Foundation Programme — £325
A clear and structured starting point. Typically 2–3 sessions. Designed for students who need clarity, direction and a structured plan for moving forward.
- Clarifying potential pathways, including university courses and degree apprenticeships
- Guidance on course, institution and pathway choices
- Initial super-curricular recommendations and experience exploration
- Early planning for personal statements or application requirements
Development Programme — £795
Structured support for building a strong and competitive application. Typically 4–6 sessions. The most common level of support, providing consistent guidance and accountability throughout. This is the most popular starting point for students following the initial consultation and provides the right level of support for most students.
- Ongoing guidance on university, course and degree apprenticeship choices
- Development and refinement of personal statements and written applications
- Super-curricular development and academic profile building
- Application strategy, timelines and ongoing support between sessions
Comprehensive Programme — £1,200
End-to-end support for competitive pathways. Typically 6–10 sessions. Designed for students applying to highly competitive universities, Medicine, or degree apprenticeships requiring in-depth preparation.
- Full support across all stages of the process
- Personal statement development with detailed, iterative feedback
- Preparation for interviews, assessment centres and selection processes
- Personalised resources and continued guidance between sessions
Additional Support After Every Session
Following each session, students receive a structured written summary outlining the key points discussed, decisions made, and clear next steps. This is an important part of the process — helping to reinforce progress, maintain momentum between sessions, and ensure that each stage of the application journey is approached in a clear and manageable way.
Rather than leaving a session with notes to decipher alone, students and parents have a concise, actionable record they can refer back to at any point. This means nothing is lost between sessions, and students are always clear on what they need to do next and why.
This level of care and structure is built into every programme, reflecting a commitment to supporting not just the application itself, but the confidence and clarity of the student throughout the entire process.
Included After Every Session
Written Session Summary
A structured record of key points discussed and decisions made, sent after every session.
Clear Next Steps
Specific, actionable guidance so students always know exactly what to focus on between sessions.
Ongoing Momentum
Consistent structure between sessions to keep students on track and moving forward with confidence.
What students and families say about working with me
I don't think I could have got through the year without Mr Cole's support. He was always there, checking in and helping me through everything.
— Bronya
From personal statements to applying to Oxford, Mr Cole supported me every step of the way. His guidance was invaluable.
— Charlie
Mr Cole supported me through every stage of the university process, from my personal statement to making final decisions. I'll always appreciate his guidance.
— Thora
The support and kindness shown made a huge difference to our child's experience. We are incredibly grateful for everything Mr Cole has done.
— Karen J (Parent)
Get in Touch
Book an initial consultation to discuss your child’s current position and explore the most appropriate next steps. This is a no-obligation conversation designed to provide clarity and guidance.
Book an Initial Consultation
The initial consultation is a structured, informal conversation for both students and parents. Book an initial consultation to discuss your child’s current position and identify the most appropriate next steps.
What Happens Next
01
Send an Email
Reach out to introduce yourself and briefly describe where your child currently stands and what you are hoping to achieve.
02
Arrange a Consultation
We agree a convenient time for the initial consultation, which takes place with both the student and parents present.
03
Move Forward with Clarity
Leave with a clear understanding of your options and, where appropriate, a tailored plan for the next stage of the process.
