Future You: What to Keep in Mind
This page brings together real advice from CFGS6 students who have already navigated the transition from Year 11. From choosing the right subjects to managing workload, building connections, and making the most of every opportunity, these reflections offer honest insights to help you start strong. Whether you’re feeling excited, unsure, or somewhere in between, let these experiences guide and inspire your own journey into sixth form.
The advice I would give to my past self and to future students is to make the most of every opportunity, even if it feels outside your comfort zone. I would also encourage students to reach out for support when needed, as there are many people and resources available to help us succeed. Nadirah
Looking back, the advice I would give to my younger self before starting university would be to believe in my own resilience and to take every opportunity available, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. With persistence and support, great things can be achieved. Naima
I would advise my younger self to carefully consider the teaching structure, modules, and support available. This is because a course that aligns with your learning style, but also provides strong academic and pastoral support can greatly influence your experience and success. Ramla
When choosing a university, I would recommend visiting to get a feel for the
environment and see whether it is suitable for you. In many ways, this is just as important as looking
at the academic record of the university in the subject you are planning to apply for, as much of your
student life will be about making new connections, getting involved in societies, and attending events,
as well as studying. It can also be quite useful to find a mentor, or just a student who you can speak to
at the university you would like to attend, as this gives you a real opportunity to find out about what
your life would be like attending the university. There are often outreach programmes hosted by many
universities which can help with this. I would also recommend looking at the curriculum of your course; it may sound obvious, but many ofyou will be transitioning from 3 to 4 subjects down to only 1, and it is important to be informed about what this entails. If you’re indecisive about subjects like I was, consider taking a broader degree which allows for specialisation later on; for instance, I took natural sciences instead of straight
chemistry, meaning I was able to experience a huge variety of subjects, including physics and
materials science, before specialising in chemistry in my third year. I would also recommend remembering that university is not the only feasible step post A-levels/BTEC; the apprenticeships on offer have gotten increasingly more varied and exciting over the years, so don’t feel forced into a conventional pathway if you think it’s not right for you. There are also degree apprenticeships if you would like to study whilst also experiencing the world of work! Former CFGS6 Student
