Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Year 12 - 2025/2026: Here we go again!

1000 replies

QueenMabby · 25/08/2025 15:49

A new thread for the new school and college year. A friendly thread for parents of those going into year 12 in September 2025.

OP posts:
familyissues12345 · 27/08/2025 08:16

Can I join? I don’t know if I’ve been on a previous post many moons ago Grin

DS starts at college on the 9th Sept (induction day), enrolment is later on today. He’s so excited and after a not so successful secondary school experience, he (and we) has high hopes. I just hope it lives up to his expectations

Sisublondie · 27/08/2025 08:23

familyissues12345 · 27/08/2025 08:16

Can I join? I don’t know if I’ve been on a previous post many moons ago Grin

DS starts at college on the 9th Sept (induction day), enrolment is later on today. He’s so excited and after a not so successful secondary school experience, he (and we) has high hopes. I just hope it lives up to his expectations

Morning!!! Please do! Everyone is lovely here!

Your DS sounds just like mine, hoping for exactly the same…. 🤞🙏🤞… good to have you here, for the trip! 😺

QueenMabby · 27/08/2025 08:38

familyissues12345 · 27/08/2025 08:16

Can I join? I don’t know if I’ve been on a previous post many moons ago Grin

DS starts at college on the 9th Sept (induction day), enrolment is later on today. He’s so excited and after a not so successful secondary school experience, he (and we) has high hopes. I just hope it lives up to his expectations

Welcome @familyissues12345. Sorry your DS’s experience of secondary school was not good. I hope he finds the college experience a positive one. I have two friends with children who both really struggled at their schools (one ASD and the other just struggled to socialise and fit in) but flourished at their different sixth form settings. What is your ds studying?

We’re eking out the last of the summer holiday with a trip to visit family by the coast. This trip and the excitement of going back to school has been totally eclipsed however by a planned meet-up-which-might-be-a-date with a boy she met over the summer. Eeek! DS didn’t date until he got to uni so I am NOT READY FOR THIS!

OP posts:
familyissues12345 · 27/08/2025 08:47

Ah thanks for the warm welcome!! DS is studying Geography, Business and Criminology, I’m excited for him as he has waved goodbye to his dreaded subjects (looking at you Maths!), although it was lovely to end on a high as he got the grade he deserved.

@QueenMabby - young love is so hard to navigate!! I was relieved that DS1 was into Uni and early adulthood when he met his girlfriend. I can’t see DS2 having the confidence to meet anyone soon, but who knows..

achangeofnameisasgoodasarest · 27/08/2025 08:48

welcome @familyissues12345 ! Fresh start is brilliant for so many teens at Sixth Form. Hope yours is positive.

Eek @QueenMabby ! How exciting... where do teens go for a 'date' these days?

DD2 has been to the Proms 10 times with the same boy this holiday, but apparently they are NOT dating (prob just as well as he's off to uni and over two years older than her). We'll see.

Thismotherthingisconfusing · 27/08/2025 08:58

Hello All, DD starting sixth form. Happily staying at same great school. Anyone else have worries about them wanting to pursue two very competitive areas? DD working on two music diplomas and wants to apply to music conservatoire and political science/sociology and is taking 4 A levels and definitely wants to do an EPQ. Her current thinking is she will apply for both in year 13 and see how it goes. I think she is mad and by spreading herself too thin will struggle. Apart from that main focus is around sniffing out the "new blood" joining the sixth form. Also enjoying the arguments about whether her suggested micro mini pleated meets the school uniform "suiting material knee length skirt" and whether an Ambercrombie and Fitch cable knit is a "fine knit v neck". Apparently "the teachers don't know the rules". Great, that is really helfpul.

waitingquietly · 27/08/2025 08:59

It’s just occurred to me that it’s a week to go until DS starts sixth form - I just can’t believe it - the summer has gone so fast . I hope he’s had a nice time , in reality he’s either been in the gym or gaming with his brother apart from our 2 weeks in the sun . I remember working the summer after GCSEs and being out a lot - so very different to me . Upside he does have a days work lined up helping at a local event - which is great as he has to speak to people ! he’s fine when he does it - but I think would prefer not to .

Hope the fledgling daters all have a lovely time

Elevenmillion · 27/08/2025 09:03

@Thismotherthingisconfusing i have similar conversations about what actually constitutes a t shirt !

MissyB1 · 27/08/2025 09:08

Thismotherthingisconfusing · 27/08/2025 08:58

Hello All, DD starting sixth form. Happily staying at same great school. Anyone else have worries about them wanting to pursue two very competitive areas? DD working on two music diplomas and wants to apply to music conservatoire and political science/sociology and is taking 4 A levels and definitely wants to do an EPQ. Her current thinking is she will apply for both in year 13 and see how it goes. I think she is mad and by spreading herself too thin will struggle. Apart from that main focus is around sniffing out the "new blood" joining the sixth form. Also enjoying the arguments about whether her suggested micro mini pleated meets the school uniform "suiting material knee length skirt" and whether an Ambercrombie and Fitch cable knit is a "fine knit v neck". Apparently "the teachers don't know the rules". Great, that is really helfpul.

Yes ds going into 6th form at his current school. He’s doing 3 A levels and EPQ, but as a drama scholar he also has to help direct productions and run a drama club for the younger year groups. He wants to apply for degree apprenticeships and Universities, so that will require a lot of time and effort. Oh and he plays in a football team outside of school. I’m slightly worried about his time management!

achangeofnameisasgoodasarest · 27/08/2025 09:16

@Thismotherthingisconfusing I have a similar DD - right down to the two diplomas and the Conservatoire/Uni thing. Though she's not sure between History, English and Music.

School has advised she MUST only do three A Levels despite her annoyance, though they have allowed an EPQ. She's also in the school production. Crazy child.

Helps she is a boarder. I will be keeping a close eye on her time management.

Also right with you there on the fine gauge knits/cable jumpers (although hers are secondhand ralph lauren) argument.

QueenMabby · 27/08/2025 09:17

achangeofnameisasgoodasarest · 27/08/2025 08:48

welcome @familyissues12345 ! Fresh start is brilliant for so many teens at Sixth Form. Hope yours is positive.

Eek @QueenMabby ! How exciting... where do teens go for a 'date' these days?

DD2 has been to the Proms 10 times with the same boy this holiday, but apparently they are NOT dating (prob just as well as he's off to uni and over two years older than her). We'll see.

Well he’s not actually local to us so they’re meeting in some random town that’s half way. Dd said she’d take the train but I’m going to drive her so I’m close by in case it all goes belly up! Apparently there’s a museum/art gallery, a park and a Japanese restaurant in the mix! I’ve set ds to stalk his social media to make sure he’s not dodgy!

OP posts:
achangeofnameisasgoodasarest · 27/08/2025 09:21

Sounds like quite the day @QueenMabby !

Thismotherthingisconfusing · 27/08/2025 09:24

MissyB1 · 27/08/2025 09:08

Yes ds going into 6th form at his current school. He’s doing 3 A levels and EPQ, but as a drama scholar he also has to help direct productions and run a drama club for the younger year groups. He wants to apply for degree apprenticeships and Universities, so that will require a lot of time and effort. Oh and he plays in a football team outside of school. I’m slightly worried about his time management!

It's really hard, isn't it. Degree Apprenticeship applications will be as you say time-consuming and I imagine lots of prep is needed. Do they have to go through lots of interviews?

I thought the sixth form landing would be a bit lower but feels like everything is speeding up and the relaxed summer is over! You don't want to discourage them but worry that they will end up not doing as well or burn out.

My eldest was super focused and it worked well for him as he ended up where he wanted to be, and all the super-curricula stuff supported that. It made it easier for me tbh but I think she will need more support. They are very different creatures and she is more maximalist and I think has my scanner tendencies. If she was reading this, I am sure she would just say "chill Mum".

Have day off today so off to sort out the calendar, and stock up the freezer!

katgab · 27/08/2025 09:30

My eldest, shortly off to uni, started with 4 a levels and epq which was standard at his school. Did drop to 3 a levels in upper 6th. During 6th form he also did very well with his grade 8 trumpet, also playing in school bands, did very well with grade 8 lamda, school play, helped coach football further down the school, made a good start on his uefa coaching qualifications, various school residentials, passed his driving test and still spends too much time gaming in my view. I don’t know where he got the energy from. He’s shortly off to first choice uni.

My youngest is also starting with 4 a levels and epq, again standard in her school. She plays the trombone and had a big part in the school play last year. She also regularly bakes, cooks and goes to the gym.

SuperSue77 · 27/08/2025 09:41

Anyone’s YP done a BTEC Level 2 qualification in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community?

DD got an email from St John Ambulance today asking if she wanted to do one. She has a good set of GCSEs but I thought this would be something she can talk about at uni interviews. She did D of E to silver (refuses to do Gold!) but interested in whether it’s any good or not.

Thismotherthingisconfusing · 27/08/2025 09:49

Elevenmillion · 27/08/2025 09:03

@Thismotherthingisconfusing i have similar conversations about what actually constitutes a t shirt !

Oh, and did you come to an agreement?

Thismotherthingisconfusing · 27/08/2025 09:52

katgab · 27/08/2025 09:30

My eldest, shortly off to uni, started with 4 a levels and epq which was standard at his school. Did drop to 3 a levels in upper 6th. During 6th form he also did very well with his grade 8 trumpet, also playing in school bands, did very well with grade 8 lamda, school play, helped coach football further down the school, made a good start on his uefa coaching qualifications, various school residentials, passed his driving test and still spends too much time gaming in my view. I don’t know where he got the energy from. He’s shortly off to first choice uni.

My youngest is also starting with 4 a levels and epq, again standard in her school. She plays the trombone and had a big part in the school play last year. She also regularly bakes, cooks and goes to the gym.

That's comforting I am probably over-thinking.

Soundofshuna · 27/08/2025 09:53

SuperSue77 · 27/08/2025 09:41

Anyone’s YP done a BTEC Level 2 qualification in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community?

DD got an email from St John Ambulance today asking if she wanted to do one. She has a good set of GCSEs but I thought this would be something she can talk about at uni interviews. She did D of E to silver (refuses to do Gold!) but interested in whether it’s any good or not.

Yes mine have through cadets. I’m not sure it made any difference to anything but it’s something to put on forms!

SuperSue77 · 27/08/2025 09:56

Soundofshuna · 27/08/2025 09:53

Yes mine have through cadets. I’m not sure it made any difference to anything but it’s something to put on forms!

Thanks! Was it onerous? Or just something to do whilst at cadets which they’d have been at anyway?

TheyNotLikeUs · 27/08/2025 09:59

DD moving from girls' school to mixed 6th form. No brothers and I still don't understand boys so no idea how to support her!

Soundofshuna · 27/08/2025 10:00

SuperSue77 · 27/08/2025 09:56

Thanks! Was it onerous? Or just something to do whilst at cadets which they’d have been at anyway?

They spent 1 day in the holidays collating evidence ( some of it from cadet stuff and some from things they’d done outside school- sailing qualifications and tennis young leader) Eldest passed with nothing else needed, youngest’s evidence is currently being assessed and if necessary there are various other modules they can do.

katgab · 27/08/2025 10:03

Thismotherthingisconfusing · 27/08/2025 09:52

That's comforting I am probably over-thinking.

Don’t know about over thinking, I thought he was overdoing it. He got the grades he needed for first choice but was disappointed as below predictions. I do think he finds the revision period tough going. I think he also regretted history - loved the subject and teacher but found it was very content heavy, he went in with an 8 at GCSE. My youngest daughter is keen on medicine which is going to be competitive…

QueenMabby · 27/08/2025 10:23

katgab · 27/08/2025 10:03

Don’t know about over thinking, I thought he was overdoing it. He got the grades he needed for first choice but was disappointed as below predictions. I do think he finds the revision period tough going. I think he also regretted history - loved the subject and teacher but found it was very content heavy, he went in with an 8 at GCSE. My youngest daughter is keen on medicine which is going to be competitive…

My dd potentially going for medicine too. Also a “busy” child who has a lot on - music, drama, dance, netball etc. She’s also going to do her Crest Gold Award this year having completed silver in year 10. That’ll get it out of the way before a-levels year and will hopefully be a good thing to put on her personal statement.

OP posts:
OhCrumbsWhereNow · 27/08/2025 10:51

Thismotherthingisconfusing · 27/08/2025 08:58

Hello All, DD starting sixth form. Happily staying at same great school. Anyone else have worries about them wanting to pursue two very competitive areas? DD working on two music diplomas and wants to apply to music conservatoire and political science/sociology and is taking 4 A levels and definitely wants to do an EPQ. Her current thinking is she will apply for both in year 13 and see how it goes. I think she is mad and by spreading herself too thin will struggle. Apart from that main focus is around sniffing out the "new blood" joining the sixth form. Also enjoying the arguments about whether her suggested micro mini pleated meets the school uniform "suiting material knee length skirt" and whether an Ambercrombie and Fitch cable knit is a "fine knit v neck". Apparently "the teachers don't know the rules". Great, that is really helfpul.

That is definitely a hefty workload!

The upside is that the Conservatoire route is very different from the University one, so you don't need to make one personal statement work for both.

One thing I would advise is booking all the open days for the conservatoires this year. The application form is due back on the 2nd Oct for 2026 entry, so 27 entry likely to be some similarly early date, and open days in the Autumn are AFTER the closing date, so you need to have everything sussed in Y12 rather than Y13.

In my wanderings round Music degrees, there are quite a lot of dual major ones, but they tend to be more academic less performance based and at RGs rather than conservatoires. I didn't look in depth as DD definitely only interested in very performance heavy courses, but was intrigued how many options there were.

I wish you luck on the uniform front!

DD's college have no rules at all, so I guess I will be having more than a few 'you are not leaving the house in that' conversations this year. DD did seem to manage to live permanently in PE kit (baggy joggers and a sweatshirt) for last 3 years of secondary as it was permitted on PE days or if you had after-school sports, so I have suggested that she just continue in the same vein...

CakeFace1234 · 27/08/2025 11:05

Hi all, gosh, the summer has flown. 6th Form next week

DS was satisfied with GCSE results but knows if he had started revision sooner/applied himself differently, he may have upgraded the 6s to 7s, however, it was a learning curve for the approach A-levels. He is doing 3 subjects but they are not subjects that his friends are studying plus, many of his friendship group have gone to college - so that is his only concern. Otherwise, is looking forward to returning to school.

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.