Prepare Programme
The Prepare programme offers a range of school or college and campus based sessions designed to build on the Achieve Programme at secondary school level.

The sessions are designed to help your young people decide if higher education is for them, give them a taster of university life and support them with the application process should they choose to apply. We run sessions on researching university options, the UCAS application process, student finance and much more. We also provide a range of work experience placements to help students get a foot in the door and their first experience of the world of work.
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What University Can Do For You
Who: Year 12
When: October – March
How long: 30 - 45 mins
Why?
An interactive and inspirational presentation showcasing the opportunity that progression to higher education may provide. The session scaffolds information to enable your learners to make informed decisions, recognise potential benefits and dispels myths around student finance.
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Researching Your Options
Who: Year 12
When: December - April (ideally booked prior to your visit to a UCAS Exhibition)
How long: 45 – 60 mins
Why?
Through completing a toolkit this interactive workshop enables students to research university and degree apprenticeship options. The toolkit allows for personalisation of the students learning and the formation of action plans for their own future success.
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The UCAS Process
Who: Year 12 / Year 13
When: Year 12 May – July or Year 13 September - October
How long: 30 - 45 mins
Why?
Simply outlines the UCAS process from start to finish allowing students to understand the system and giving them the opportunity to ask any questions.
*This presentation is also available for audiences of parents and carers.
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Personal Statement Workshop
Who: Year 12 / Year 13
When: Year 12 May – July or Year 13 September - October
How long: 45 - 60 mins
Why?
This structured and interactive workshop makes use of a toolkit that gets students started on the process of writing a personal statement or allows them the opportunity to personally review the drafts they have already created. The session highlights the importance of content and structure and may be transferable to employment when considering how to promote their skills to others.
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Student Finance
Who: Year 13
When: January – April
How long: 30 - 45 mins
Why?
This presentation clearly explains the student finance process covering the main costs of higher education, sources of funding, repayments and how to apply.
*The session can be extended to include an interactive budgeting activity.
*This presentation is also available for audiences of parents and carers.
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Thriving at University
Who: Year 13
When: March - May
How long: 45 - 60 mins
Why?
This interactive workshop covers aspects of university life and identifies areas and strategies to ease transition to higher education.
In addition to the core Prepare Programme, your school may also be eligible (based on certain criteria) for the following workshops.
Please get in touch with your CenSCE contact to check eligibility.
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Progression Assembly
Who: Year 12
When: September - December
How long: 10 - 15 mins
Why?
An introductory talk about a self-selecting learner level scheme giving participants priority access to work experience, cultural experiences and a residential summer school.
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Growth Mindset 1
Who: Year 12
When: October - May
How long: 45 - 60 mins
Why?
This interactive workshop introduces participants to the theory of growth mindset and allows them to realise their own mindset through a series of activities.
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Growth Mindset 2
Who: Year 13
When: September - March
How long: 45 - 60 mins
Why?
Building on the growth mindset principles introduced in Year 12, students will explore positive psychology methodologies and apply those to educational success.
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Student Life
Who: Year 12 or Year 13
When: Anytime
How long: 45 - 60 mins
Why?
An opportunity for your students to interact with current NTU students discussing topics pertinent to higher education. Topics vary and can be tailored to your students needs and time of year.
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Art and Design Portfolio Advice
Who: Year 12 or Year 13
When: Year 12 May – July or Year 13 September - November
Why:
This session is aimed at students who are interested in applying for Creative Arts based subjects. Students will receive information on the creative sector and learn how to put a successful portfolio together. We will also show examples of successful and unsuccessful portfolios.
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Your Subject, Your Future
Who: Year 12 or Year 13
When: Any time prior to UCAS application
Why:
These subject specific sessions demonstrate where certain disciplines could take you.
Your Subject, Your Future – Business
Your Subject, Your Future – Law
Your Subject, Your Future – Sport