There are many ways students can get a vital head start to help prepare for further education.

Many schools focus greatly on grades for getting into further education routes like sixth form and university. However, despite the importance of receiving good grades, there are many other ways you can demonstrate yourself as a good candidate.

An example of this is work experience. During these last few years, it has been difficult to get in-person work experience due to Coronavirus. However, you can still take free, virtual work experience through websites such as Springpod. This proves yourself to be an eager and passionate student, who is keen to expand their knowledge of their career path. In addition, you can undertake online courses such as MOOCs which are run by some globally-recognised institutions like Cambridge and Harvard. These offer you the opportunity to expand your knowledge beyond just the specification.

Within your school, you can highlight to future employers your leadership skills as well as ability to work collaboratively by taking on roles at your school. For example, some of the roles available at my school are prefects and the ability to run your own club. Also, taking part in in-school clubs is significant as it can convey your committment to other interests outside your school subjects, and dedication to your school curriculum.

Other easy and effective ways of grabbing future employers' attention is by completing volunteer work. You can do this by volunteering at local clubs or through non-for-profit organisations like in charity stores or food banks.

Moreover, whilst achieving good grades in school, you can focus on your committment to learning. For example, by participating in class, submitting assignments on time and even completing extended tasks, you will be recognised for your dedication and effort by teachers. Teachers may reference this when they are writing your reference which then goes towards university application or your other next steps. 

All of these suggestions will help you stand out of the crowd, making you more likely to get the university, degree, apprentership etc, that you want.