Where are our students going next?


Celebrating the destinations of our Year 13 students

At Seaton Valley Sixth Form, we are incredibly proud of the progress our students make during their time with us. Our Sixth Form is about more than achieving qualifications; it is about helping young people develop the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to take their next steps.


Our 2026 Year 13 destinations demonstrate the wide range of opportunities our students are moving on to. Whether progressing to university, beginning an apprenticeship, entering employment, continuing their studies at college or taking time to explore their options, our students are embarking on a diverse range of exciting futures.

A wide range of pathways
Our 72 Year 13 students are following a variety of destinations:

  • 31 students are progressing to university or higher education.
  • 10 students are moving directly into full-time employment.
  • 9 students are continuing their education at Further Education college.
  • 8 students are beginning Level 3 apprenticeships.
  • 3 students are entering part-time employment.
  • 2 students are beginning degree apprenticeships.
  • 2 students are taking a planned gap year.
  • 1 student is beginning a Level 2 apprenticeship.


This means our students are progressing into a broad range of education, training and employment opportunities, reflecting the different ambitions and interests within our Sixth Form community.

University and Higher Education
University remains an important destination for many of our students, with 31progressing to higher education. Our students have secured places at a wide range of universities, including:
Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Durham University, the University of York, the University of Leeds, the University of Nottingham, the University of Surrey, the University of Sunderland and York St John University, alongside other higher education providers.


The subjects our students are taking are equally varied. They include:

  • English Literature and Creative Writing
  • Law
  • Psychology
  • Biomedical Science
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics with Finance
  • Economics
  • Marketing and Management
  • Fine Art
  • Graphic and Communication Design
  • Product Design
  • Professional Policing
  • Forensic Science
  • Physiotherapy
  • Nursing Science and Mental Health Nursing
  • Paramedic Science
  • Social Work
  • Biology
  • History
  • English and Philosophy
  • Combined Honours in Law and French


This breadth reflects the diverse interests and aspirations of our students and the opportunities available to them following Sixth Form.


Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships
For students who want to combine further study with valuable workplace experience, apprenticeships are an increasingly popular route. This year, students are progressing into apprenticeships with organisations including the NHS Northumberland, Draeger, CMP Engineering, KONE Cranes, Armstrong Watson, McDonalds and the City of Newcastle Golf Club.

Their apprenticeship pathways include areas such as:

Healthcare, engineering, accountancy, business administration, customer service and engineering technology. Two students are also progressing to degree apprenticeships, combining university-level study with employment. These include pathways in
History/Procurement and Supply Chain and Sport and Business Management.


Further Education and vocational pathways
For some students, the next step is to continue developing their skills and qualifications through Further Education.
Students are progressing to courses including:

  • Childcare
  • Early Years Education
  • Health and Social Care
  • Engineering
  • Aviation Operations
  • Art and Design
  • Music

Several students are continuing their studies at Newcastle College, with others progressing to Northumberland College and other specialist training routes.


Moving directly into employment
For other students, Year 13 marks the beginning of their working lives. Our students are moving into a variety of full-time and part-time employment, including roles with organisations such as the RAF, Morrisons, KFC, McDonalds, The Fragrance Shop, Pets at Home, Evri and local businesses.


These destinations demonstrate that there is no single definition of success after Sixth Form. For some young people, entering the workplace and gaining valuable experience is exactly the right next step.


Taking time to explore future options
A small number of students are taking a planned gap year, giving themselves time to gain experience, save money, travel or further consider their future plans. One student is planning to take part in Camp America before travelling, with plans to revisit university options the following year. Another is undertaking employment while preparing to reapply for a university course.