Sixth Form & College VisitsEncounters with FE/HE providers

Why this matters

Year 11 students visit at least one sixth form, one FE college, and one apprenticeship provider. They use a structured comparison framework, ask prepared questions, and capture evidence - fulfilling Gatsby BM7 (FE/HE encounters).

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson

I can compare three providers across course offer, environment and entry routes

I can ask three prepared questions of admissions staff

I can update my decision compass based on what I saw

ActivityActivity 1: Pre-visit prep

On your own30 min

Three questions per provider, prepared in advance. Comparison framework explained.

ActivityActivity 2: The visits

On your own240 min

Three structured visits. Comparison sheet filled in for each: courses, environment, entry, gut feel.

ActivityActivity 3: Compass update

On your own30 min

Re-open your decision compass. What's changed? Which provider is now lead candidate?

Success criteria

How we'll know it worked

Three provider comparison cards completed

Decision compass updated post-visits

Chapter Student Game

Action

Add three post-16 providers to your Chapter shortlist

Skills: Listening, Speaking

Save provider comparison notes to Chapter. These will inform your final post-16 application.

What's next

Negotiate visit days for whole cohort. Visits have to fit students' schedules - couple with parent evenings.