University & Gap Year Fair: beyond the Moss Gates

Shrewsbury welcomed over 40 universities and gap year providers to the Alington Hall just before half term to provide a catalyst for the Lower Sixth in exploring their options for life beyond Severn shore.  

It offered an excellent opportunity for them to speak directly to a wide range of universities about their courses and institutions, to ask their specific questions, and to explore possibilities that they had not necessarily considered previously. 

With around a third of Salopians taking a Gap Year in 2023, it is clearly a very popular option and we were grateful to a range of providers for giving pupils food for thought as they begin planning productive and useful experiences. 

Head of Higher Education Toby Percival said: “The buzz in the room was almost electric and it was fantastic to see so many pupils, both from Shrewsbury and local schools and colleges, engaging actively with their future options. Alongside institutions popular with Salopians, it was great to welcome more international universities this year; though going overseas to study isn’t right for everyone, I fully believe in our pupils having access to as full a range of possibilities as possible.” 

The support for the Lower Sixth continues unabated, with a forthcoming Mock Assessment Centre in March designed to give them an insight into the job application market.  A summer term day of all-things university will focus on personal statements and creating a strong application.