Careers & Higher Education
One of the most important things we do in Sixth Form is to prepare you for the next stages. Whether that is to university and higher education, the route chosen by the vast majority of our girls, or into the workplace through one of the many prestigious school leaver programmes or workplace-based degrees now available, we are here to support you.
How will Headington Rye Oxford help me?
We will provide you with lots of support in both making your decision and preparing you for the process of interviews and applications. Perhaps most importantly, the increased independence Sixth Form offers and the challenge of managing and being responsible for your own learning will make you ready for the world of work or university.
Where will I go?
Girls go on to study a huge range of different subjects and career paths. These are some of the highlights from the class of 2023-2024.
Architectural Foundation Course – AAL Architectural Association London
Biology – Aberystwyth University
Film Production – Arts University Bournemouth
International Management – Bath University
Mathematics (with study abroad) – Bath University
Structural and Architectural Engineering – Bath University
Anthropology – Birmingham University
Biochemistry – Birmingham University
Biological Sciences – Birmingham University
Electronic Engineering – Birmingham University
Law LLB – Birmingham University
Philosophy – Birmingham University
Psychology – Birmingham University
Sports Management – Bournemouth University
Biology – Bristol University
History & French – Bristol University
Psychology – Bristol University
Veterinary Science – Bristol University
Business Management – Bristol UWE
Anglo Saxon, Norse & Celtic – Cambridge University
Engineering – Cambridge University
Medicine – Cambridge University
International Relations – Cardiff University
Fashion Design – Central Saint Martins London
Mechanical Engineering – Dartmouth College, USA
Biological Sciences – Durham University
Chemistry – Durham University
International Relations – Durham University
Politics, Philosophy and Economics – Durham University
Arabic & Politics – Edinburgh University
Computer Science – Edinburgh University
Philosophy – Edinburgh University
English Literature – Exeter University
Medicine – Exeter University
Natural Sciences – Exeter University
Popular Music – Goldsmiths, University of London
Architecture/ Manchester Architecture – Hong Kong University
Material Science & Engineering – Imperial College, London
Medicine – Imperial College London
Biomedical Sciences – King’s College London
Mathematics – King’s College London
Sociology, Social Policy & Crime – Leeds University
Biomedical Sciences – Liverpool University
Lifesciences & Business Management – LMU Munich Germany
Materials Science and Engineering – Loughborough University
Drama – Manchester University
Material Sciences & Engineering – Manchester University
Politics & Economics – Manchester University
Business – New York University (Stern School of Business)
Management – Nottingham University
Medicine – Nottingham University
Computer Science for Cyber Security – Oxford Brookes University
Acting with Musical Theatre – Oxford School of Drama
English Language & Literature – Oxford University
French & Philosophy – Oxford University
French (Modern Languages) – Oxford University
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering – Princeton University, USA
Medicine – Queen Mary University, London
Biomedical Engineering – Reading University
Biomedical Sciences – Reading University
Biological Sciences – Sheffield University
Biomedical Engineering – Sheffield University
General Engineering – Sheffield University
International Relations & Economics – SOAS London (School of Oriental & African Studies)
Japanese & Economics – SOAS London (School of Oriental & African Studies)
World Philosophies – SOAS London (School of Oriental & African Studies)
Ecology & Conservation – St Andrews University
History of Art – St Andrews University
Business Management and Marketing – Surrey University
Biomedical Sciences – UCL
Electronic & Electrical Engineering – UCL
Neuroscience – UCL
Sustainable Built Environments, Energy, Resources – UCL
Economics Major – University of California San Diego (UCSD)
Economics – University of East Anglia (UEA)
Paramedic Science – University of East Anglia (UEA)
Philosophy – University of East Anglia (UEA)
Fashion Communication & Industry Practice BA Hons – Vogue College of Fashion London
Biomedical Science – Warwick University
Economics – Warwick University
Business Management – York University
English – York University
What does a typical Headington Rye Oxford girl go on to do as a career?
There is no straight answer to this as there is no typical Headington Rye Oxford girl. While we have lots of former girls working as, for example, doctors or lawyers, we also have girls pursuing careers in the Arts, in business, in engineering; indeed in every field imaginable.
Our job is to make sure you have all the tools and information to make the right decision about which path you wish to follow. If you have no idea which path is right for you that’s okay too – we will help you look at your options and encourage you to make the right decision for you. Girls also have the chance to be a part of our vibrant and global professional networking community via Headington Connect.
First thoughts about the future
Girls are first invited to consider their future as far down the School as Year 8, aged 12 or 13, as they explore different careers through various activities. As they get older, we help them further explore the possibilities and options for them, looking at CVs, practicing interview technique and learning more about the realities and requirements of different careers. Additional bespoke services are offered as the girls become clearer about their strengths and weaknesses and where they see themselves after Headington Rye Oxford.
Tailored Support
In the Sixth Form, you will benefit from:
- Expert guidance for UCAS applications
- Annual Higher Education evening
- Careers fairs and careers advice in tutor time, assemblies and PSHE
- Visits and talks from representatives from specific universities
- One to one advice and support from tutors and Higher Education mentors
- One to one interviews with tutors and the academic management team to discuss first steps in careers and post-school options
- Fortnightly Higher Education mentoring from Spring Term of L6
- Preparation for university admissions tests
- Headington Futures programme
- Critical and Creative Thinking curriculum (help with future employability)
- Academic Skills lessons to help you attain the grades you need for university or apprenticeships
- Headington Connect sessions to enable Year 12 summer work experience programmes
- Regular communications about work experience and university level programmes for Year 12 and Year 13 students via the pupil briefing
- Support with references and applications for all work experience and placements
- Advice on apprenticeship and other direct-to-work programmes
You may also choose to take advantage of:
- Specialist programmes for Oxbridge, Law, Architecture and Medicine applications
- Help with applications to universities overseas
- Information and advice about gap years
- Subject specific visits to universities
- Lectures from university professors in a range of different subjects
- Through Headington Connect, access to 2,000+ professionals willing to help, who have experience of working in over 280 different industries
Whether you are a future chef, a research scientist or a hedge fund manager, we will make sure you are ready for the next step on the road towards your goal.