The majority of our students go on to study at college (Borders College and Edinburgh College) and university. As part of the PSE programme in S6 students are supported with preparing their Personal Statements and their college or UCAS application. In September each year S6 students will have the opportunity to attend the UCAS event at Kelso. Students are encouraged to attend as many Open Days as possible.
Applying for University
For university applicants, students will be asked in mid September to nominate 3 teachers to provide an academic reference for them. These references will be used by their Pastoral Teacher to create their final reference. Students can apply for up to 5 courses in their application. We encourage UCAS applicants to have completed and submitted their application prior to breaking for the Christmas holidays. Students wishing to apply for a Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) , where they study for a degree whilst working, do not apply through UCAS but need to apply for the GA directly to the company offering it. Students interested in a GA are encouraged to register for alerts with Apprenticeship.scot. GA opportunities, relevant to our students, are often promoted in the DYW & Pathways channel of the Year Teams.
For early applicants (Medics, Dentists, Vets and Oxbridge) additional support and mentoring is available from….. The school also has a student led Medic Group, who are mentored by Dr Walling.
Scan the QR codes to take you directly to the University website.
Applying for College
Students wishing to apply to college must apply directly to each college. They can only make one application per college per year. College applications, generally, open mid January each year. Again, we encourage applicants to attend college Open Days. These are promoted via the DYW & Pathways channel in Year Teams. College applicants will need to submit a Personal Statement (maximum 300 words). If students are unsure as to which course of study is right for them it is permissible to make university and college applications within the same year.
Additional Supports
LEAPS
LEAPS is a widening participation programme which aims to encourage and advise students who are traditionally under-represented in higher education. They work with young people in South East Scotland, supporting their aspirations and providing impartial advice about higher education. Peebles High School, is a category 2 school which means that any student who meets the following criteria would be eligible for LEAPS support. LEAPS present to S5 and S6 as part of the PSE programme.
Eligibility Criteria:
Have the potential to achieve a minimum of 3 Highers by the time they finish school and match one or more of:
- student who is first generation in family to apply to higher education or whose parents do not already have a degree.
- student from a low income background.
- student who is care experienced.
- student who is estranged from parents/carers.
- student who is a young carer.
The LEAPS website has lots of valuable information for students and parents, regardless of whether they are LEAPS eligible.
Student Funding
SAAS deliver input into our PSE programme each year, where those students applying for an HNC, HND or Degree learn about the funding available to them during their course of study.
