Why attending a Sixth Form College Open Event could be the most important step in choosing your Post-16 pathway.
Choosing what to do after Year 11 is one of the most important decisions a young person will make.
Whether you're considering A Levels, exploring future career ambitions, or simply trying to find the right environment to thrive, taking the time to visit local providers is key to getting a feel for what makes each unique.
What happens at a Post-16 Open Event?
At St Brendan's Sixth Form College, prospective students will get a genuine insight into college life by having the opportunity to:
- Explore our campus and facilities
- Speak directly with subject teachers
- Meet current students and hear about their experiences
- Learn about A Level and vocational course options
- Discover enrichment opportunities, societies and student life
- Find out about student support, wellbeing and progression pathways
- Get advice on applications, admissions and next steps
As Bristol's only specialist Sixth Form College built exclusively for 16–19-year-olds, we do things a little differently. With over 60 A-level and vocational courses on offer, you can build your very own bespoke timetable, mixing and matching the subjects that actually interest you.
Why Open Events matter
Every school sixth form or college offer something different.
An open event helps you move beyond prospectuses and word of mouth to discover whether a college feels like the right fit for you.
During your visit consider:
- The learning environment – can you imagine spending time here every day?
- Courses available - do the courses match your interests, strengths and future ambitions
- Support available - What guidance is offered for academic success, wellbeing, university applications, apprenticeships and careers?
- Student experience and enrichment – what's available outside the classroom, is there variety and effort put into enrichment programmes?
- Progression outcomes - Where do students go after studying there? Is there a good reputation for students reaching their potential?
Experience the St Brendan's difference
When you visit one of our Open Days or Open Evenings, you'll have the opportunity to meet the people who make our college community such a welcoming and vibrant place.
Whether you're already confident about your next steps or still exploring your options, our team is here to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about your future.
In our upcoming events, current Year 11's and their families will be able to meet students and teachers, explore curriculum areas, discover the campus and learn more about studying at St Brendan's.
We offer an extensive curriculum tailored to 16-19 year olds; with multiple course offerings across Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Maths, Engineering, Creative Arts and Media, Humanities, Science, Sports and Health and Social Care, to name but a few.
Whether you are considering A Levels, more vocational routes, or a mixture of the two St Brendan's flexible timetabling means students have greater choice in selecting the right future for them.
Book your place at our next open event below:
When is the right time to attend an Open Event?
Application windows differ from place to place, so it's best to look at the websites of any Post-16 provider you are considering across Bristol or Bath. Conditional offers may be offered on a first come first served basis, or be dependant on predicted grades.
Either way, it's best to consider making a visit to a sixth form, sixth form college or college early into the academic year for Year 11 students, so there is time to get applications in, or pivot if necessary.
