BWS deadlines

Once an applicant reviews and submits their application, it arrives in our school system for processing. This includes checks of information already entered as well as adding references and predicted grades. Consequently, the BWS internal deadlines are earlier than external UCAS deadlines. It is critical that these deadlines are kept to such that all submitted applications are high calibre. 

Internal deadlines:

Highly Competitive Places

It is never too early for applications to University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, or for courses in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry to be considered. Each year, a significant number of BWS pupils apply, with a strong proportion securing success; in a typical year, around 30 students are awarded places at highly competitive universities.

Competition is intense, and clear differentiation between applicants is required. Where a particular subject is being considered at Oxbridge, or where training for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or Dentistry is intended, early guidance should be sought from Mrs Armstrong, the Sixth Form Office, Academic Mentors and subject teachers. Recommendations regarding wider reading, podcasts, courses and relevant work experience should be followed, and interest should be extended through independent research into areas of particular interest. Opportunities within lessons to develop work beyond the requirements of the syllabus should be fully utilised. Successful applicants are consistently characterised by a proactive and sustained engagement with their chosen field.

For some subjects, admissions tests are required. These may take the form of national assessments, such as the UCAT for Medicine, or papers set and marked by individual universities. In addition, many courses require the submission of marked work from Year 12. Full requirements should be carefully reviewed to ensure that preparation is planned effectively and in good time.

Support at Bishop's:

• Introduction to Oxbridge - in the Autumn term
• Introduction to making an application for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry - in the Autumn term
• Individual guidance meetings with direction for supercurricular activity
• Progress meetings
• Registering for UCAS and Personal statement workshops - in Summer term
• Visit to the University of Oxford open day
• Mock interview practice including MMIs - Year 13
• Open days are a great source of information and it is considered essential for all serious applicants to have visited at least one open day. The UCAS deadline for these applications is usually 15th October, with BWS' internal deadline being around 23rd September.

Useful Links

• University of Oxford 
• University of Cambridge
• Medical Schools Council
• Veterinary Schools Council
• Dental Schools Council
• UCAT
• University of Oxford Admissions tests
• University of Cambridge admissions tests

Student Finance

Please see the below links and documents which provide an overview of the student finance application process. 

• Government site - student finance
• UCAS student finance for parents and partners
• Money Saving Expert
• Application portal
• Scholarship Hub
• SFE Information
• NHS Learning Support Fund and Bursary Information
• Disabled Students' Allowance