This week, as part of our Inspirational Speakers Programme, Year 12 students welcomed Laura Franklin, our Careers Advisor, for an insightful session exploring post-18 pathways and the opportunities available to them.

Laura was joined by three recent OA alumni: Ismail Zaffar (Lee ’25), Abshly Shaji (Denson ’23) and Ali Shahzad (Denson ’25), who shared their experiences of navigating applications, interviews and making important decisions about their futures.

The speakers provided students with a valuable overview of the application and interview process, offering practical advice, key learning points and honest reflections on the challenges they faced along the way. They discussed the reasons behind their chosen pathways, with some opting for Degree Apprenticeships and another choosing the university route, giving students a balanced insight into both options.

By sharing their experiences, the alumni highlighted the factors they considered when making their decisions, including career aspirations, learning styles, financial considerations and the opportunities offered by each pathway. Their reflections demonstrated that there is no single ‘right’ route after sixth form; instead, the best choice is the one that aligns with an individual’s goals and ambitions.

A particularly important message emerged throughout the session: while strong academic results are important, they are only one part of what employers and universities are looking for. In the highly competitive Degree Apprenticeship market especially, applicants need to demonstrate much more than academic achievement alone.

The alumni emphasised the importance of developing transferable skills through extracurricular activities, leadership positions and wider school involvement. These experiences help students showcase qualities such as initiative, teamwork, communication and resilience - attributes that can make a real difference during applications and interviews.

We are extremely grateful to Ismail, Abshly and Ali for returning to share their experiences and provide such valuable guidance to our students. Their insights gave Year 12 students an authentic and inspiring perspective on the different pathways available after school, helping them to make informed decisions about their own futures.