At Virtus College, we believe that successful university and career pathways are not left to chance, they are shaped with clarity, foresight and expert support from the very beginning. Our comprehensive Careers Education programme begins early, evolves with each student’s ambitions, and culminates in confident, well-informed university choices across the globe.
Starting early as the key to success.
Careers guidance at Virtus College begins before students even join the school. From their admissions interview and vocational testing, we identify individual strengths, preferences and long-term goals. This information enables us to design a tailored A-Level strategy that aligns with their aspirations, whether that means specialising in a clear degree path or keeping options open through a versatile subject combination.
This early intervention is key to developing a personalised university application plan, allowing students to make informed decisions from the outset. Whether their goal is a world-renowned institution such as Oxford, Cambridge, the Ivy League schools or any university that best matches their interests and strengths, we ensure that every choice is underpinned by thoughtful, strategic preparation.
University support timeline.
1
Preparatory Phase
(January, Year 12)
2
University Shortlisting and Application Support
(March - May, Year 12)
3
Personal Statement Workshop and Application Preparation
(June - September, Year 12)
4
Year 13 - Continued Support (September-November)
5
Oxbridge and Medicine applicants (September - October, Year 13)
6
Spanish and Dutch Universities Phase (November - April, Year 13)
7
Application Submission
and Finalising (January - April, Year 13)
Careers education at Virtus College.
Our students benefit from weekly careers lessons in both Year 12 and Year 13, covering everything from researching global universities to managing competitive application processes. The programme is built around the Gatsby Benchmarks and delivered through a dynamic mix of workshops, guest speakers, university visits and work experience placements aligned with individual interests.
The Careers Team works closely with students to map out opportunities that match their ambitions—be it through competitions, volunteering, subject extension, or wider reading—ensuring that their profile meets the expectations of top universities. As students progress, sessions become pathway-specific, offering focused preparation for UK, US, European and other international systems at key moments in the academic calendar.
Careers provision map.
Applying to universities.
The university application process begins in Year 12, and our support continues until every student secures a place that suits their aspirations. Whether applying to leading institutions like Cambridge, Imperial College, Duke, Bocconi University, or Glion Institute of Higher Education, students receive expert guidance throughout.
Our Careers Team, in close partnership with mentors, oversees every stage of the process, including course selection, application timelines, and submission strategies. Thanks to our global network of university contacts and ongoing training with Admissions Officers, our team is always ahead of the curve. The result? A 100% university admission rate, with every student receiving offers from their first or second choice institutions.
Preparing essays, personal statements, admissions tests and interviews .
Application requirements vary by country, and our students are meticulously prepared for each component. For the US, students work on compelling, personal college essays that reflect both academic promise and personal growth. For the UK, Personal Statements are shaped with precision, tailored to degree requirements and backed by relevant academic experiences.
For top-tier institutions, where admissions tests are standard, we provide expert preparation for exams such as the Oxford and Cambridge assessments, Imperial entry tests, and the SAT/ACT. Students benefit from early planning, proven exam techniques, and access to teachers with extensive experience in competitive entry.
University interviews—often the final and most demanding stage—are approached with the same level of care. Through mock interviews led by subject specialists and professionals, we simulate real scenarios, including Oxbridge-style tutorials and competency-based questions. With this structured support, our students develop the confidence, clarity and critical thinking skills needed to excel.