What is the Be Ready Programme?
The Be Ready Programme is a flexible series of higher education talks designed to support students, parents/carers and staff at key stages of the journey towards higher education. Drawing on extensive experience in student recruitment, admissions and outreach, the programme provides practical, up-to-date guidance that helps students make informed decisions about future pathways, university choices and applications. The programme is designed to support schools and colleges over time, allowing students to build their understanding and confidence gradually throughout Key Stages 4 and 5. Sessions can be delivered to groups of 20 students and upwards, either in person or virtually depending on your needs and our capacity. We may also be able to offer bespoke activities and tailored support not listed below. Please contact the team to discuss your requirements.
Why work with us?
- Practical and up-to-date guidance grounded in current higher education practice
- Sessions designed around key transition and decision-making points
- Flexible delivery tailored to the needs of your students and staff
- Experienced presenters with backgrounds in admissions, outreach and student support
- Support for students, parents/carers and teaching staff across Key Stages 4 and 5
- Possible support for students in Key Stage 3 where it can be accommodated (please contact the team for details)
Key Stage 5
Year 13
Student Finance: De-mystifying the student finance system
- Recommended duration: 45–60 minutes
- Delivery: In person or virtual
This session builds on the session in year 12 and breaks down the student finance system clearly and practically, reminding students how tuition fees and maintenance loans work, when and how to apply, and what to expect throughout the process. Alongside the application process, students explore realistic budgeting strategies, common financial challenges at university, and practical ways to manage money confidently and independently.
Why Bath?
- Recommended duration: 25-25 minutes
- Delivery: In person or virtual
Students gain an insight into life at the University of Bath, exploring the courses available, what makes Bath highly regarded academically, and how the university supports students both inside and outside the classroom. The session also covers accommodation, placements, student support, clubs and societies, and the wider student experience, helping students understand what studying at Bath is really like.
Year 12
Student Finance: How much does uni really cost?
- Recommended duration: 45–60 minutes
- Delivery: In person or virtual
Designed to reduce uncertainty and confusion around university funding, this session explains how student finance works, what students may be entitled to, and the realities of repayment after graduation. Students also explore common misconceptions about debt, budgeting and the overall cost of university life, while also learning about alternative sources of income such as scholarships and bursaries and parttime work.
An introduction to personal statements
- Recommended duration: 25–45 minutes
- Delivery: In person or virtual
Students explore where the personal statement fits within the UCAS application process and why it plays such an important role in competitive applications. The session introduces the three personal statement questions, helping students understand what universities are really looking for and what types of experiences, interests and evidence they could begin developing now.
How to research and write an effective personal statement
- Recommended duration: 60 minutes
- Delivery: In person
Students will learn a technique for identifying exactly what they need to include in a highly effective personal statement for their specific subject and course choices. They will understand what high value evidence is and learn a process for selecting the most effective evidence for their own statements. They will also learn how to write a statement that highlights exactly what admissions staff will be looking for in their statement.
Choosing and applying
- Recommended duration: 45–60 minutes
- Delivery: In person or virtual
Choosing a university involves far more than league tables. In this session, students explore the wide range of courses and university types available to them, including campus, city and collegiate universities, and consider how different environments may suit different learners. The session also introduces key aspects of student life, including academic study, placements and study abroad opportunities, accommodation, social opportunities and support services, before guiding students through the UCAS timeline, key deadlines and the overall application journey.
Key Stage 4
What can I do after my GCSE’s?
- Recommended duration: 45–60 minutes
- Delivery: In person or virtual
This session helps students understand the range of pathways available after GCSEs and how those choices may influence future opportunities, including what they may or may not be able to study at university as a result. Students explore the differences between school sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships and vocational routes, alongside the distinction between academic and vocational study, helping them make more informed decisions about their next steps.
University: what is it all about?
- Recommended duration: 45–60 minutes
- Delivery: In person or virtual
Through an interactive and engaging quiz-based session, students are introduced to the realities of university life and how it differs from school or college. They explore the huge variety of subjects and universities available, discover the social side of university through clubs, societies and student life, and gain an understanding of how university study can connect to future careers and opportunities.
In-school sessions with university subject staff and students
University academic staff in specific subjects are sometimes able to visit schools and colleges to deliver engaging taster sessions, providing students with insight into specific subjects, teaching styles and progression pathways. We also have a pool of trained student ambassadors who can visit schools to share their experiences of applying to university, transitioning to higher education and studying at Bath. These sessions provide students with valuable first-hand insight into university life and the student experience. As academic staff and student ambassadors have limited availability, we recommend making requests well in advance to maximise the likelihood of arranging a visit.
Parents and carers
We recognise that parents and carers play a vital role in helping students make decisions about their future. Our talks are designed to provide clear, practical guidance on the university journey, helping families better understand the application process, student finance and the transition to higher education. We find it most effective to engage parents and carers at key decision-making points throughout Key Stages 3 and 4, as well as during sixth form. Our aim is to demystify the often complex application process, address common misconceptions surrounding student finance and higher education, and provide practical insight into how parents and carers can support students at each stage. We are happy to support parent/carer evenings, open events and wider school initiatives where our experience and guidance may be valuable. Common parent and carer talks include:
- De-mystifying student finance
- Choosing and applying
- An introduction to personal statements
Please use the session information above as a guide to the support we can offer. In addition, the University offers:
- Information and advice for families of children considering university
- A virtual experience of the University
- Visits to the University
Please contact us to book sessions or speak to the team.
Teachers
We aim to support schools and colleges by providing staff with practical, up-to-date guidance on a range of higher education topics. For new and less experienced staff we offer practical support on:
- Writing references
- Supporting students with personal statements
For all staff, we can provide updates on wider higher education developments, admissions processes and current application trends. We are happy to attend INSET days, twilight sessions and other staff development initiatives throughout the year. In addition to the Be Ready support for teachers the University offers:
- Additional training and support through our ConnectEd Programme
- Resources
- Recognition of teachers through the annual Teacher Champion Awards
Please contact us to book sessions or speak to the team.
Flexibility
We understand the challenges schools and colleges face when arranging external speakers and activities, and we recognise that every institution has its own priorities, context and timetable constraints. With this in mind, we aim to be as flexible as possible in tailoring delivery to suit your needs. We are very happy to discuss timings, formats and combinations of talks to help create a programme that works effectively for your students and staff.
Session duration and quality
While we aim to remain flexible, we kindly ask schools and colleges to consider the recommended session durations. These are designed to ensure that sessions remain focused, engaging and impactful. Our talks and workshops are structured around clear learning outcomes and are intended to provide students with meaningful, practical guidance without compromising depth or relevance.
Booking and enquiries
We are happy to discuss how the Be Ready Programme can best support your students, staff, parents/carers or wider school community. Sessions can be delivered individually or as part of a longer-term programme of support. Please contact the team to discuss availability, timings and bespoke requests.