Apply Day 2026

We were delighted to host a fantastic series of webinars supporting our L6 pupils on Apply Day, focusing on universities in the UK, Europe and Scotland, taking apprenticeships, placements and gap years. We were joined by Old Haileyburian university and apprenticeship representatives who generously shared their experiences and answered questions from our pupils.

The sessions covered a range of topics, including how courses can vary between universities, the differences between campus and city institutions, how to choose a degree subject if you are unsure and applying for an apprenticeship or a year in industry.

Below you will find top tips from each of our webinars, but if you would like to watch them, please visit Haileybury Connect. 

UK universities Panel – Maksym Astapov (Thomason, 2024), Shiv Handa (Trevelyan, 2021), Sasha Pescod (Colvin, 2021) and Hugh Vernon (Edmonstone, 2024) 

Top tips: 

• Choose a subject you genuinely enjoy and feel confident studying.
• Research course structures carefully, as they can differ significantly between universities.  Review course modules and the balance of exams and coursework online to help you rule out certain universities. 
• If you are undecided on a subject, reflect on your strengths, skillset and what you would be good at.
• Attend open days to get a true sense of the department, location and overall environment. 

European Universities Panel – Elizabeth Rosso (Lawrence, 2023) and Giacomo Moia (Thomason, 2025)

Top tips:

• Research each university’s teaching and assessment style to ensure it suits you. Choose a subject you enjoy and perform well in.
• The IB can be helpful for European universities, as it follows a similar structure, but is not essential.
• Application processes vary, some focus on grades and exams, others on CV’s and extracurriculars. It is better to apply to a smaller number of well researched options.
• Many European courses are taught in English, though some institutions may require learning the local language.
• It is easy to build connections as an international student, especially through campus accommodation. Studying abroad offers valuable personal and cultural experiences (ThomasonThomason, 2024)and exchange programmes are a good alternative.

Scotland Universities Panel – Victoria Curley (Melvill, 2021), Michel Zeitoun (Lawrence, 2020), Oliver Hurd (Kipling, 2024) and Tristan Anderson (Kipling, 2022).

Top tips: 

• Scottish universities offer flexibility, with the chance to explore different subjects in the first two years before specialising. The four year degree structure allows time to discover interests or change direction.
• Students benefit from a strong balance of academic excellence, independence and a wide range of societies, sports and cultural opportunities.
• Scotland offers a welcoming community and distinctive student experience, from vibrant cities to close knit environments, all within easy reach of the South of England.

Apprenticeship/Placement Panel – Bethan Hodges (Colvin, 2023), Matthew Haynes (Kipling, 2025) and Charles Dalgleish  (Thomason, 2023).

Top Tips:

• Degree apprenticeships still offer a university experience.
• Earn while you learn, but be prepared to balance work deadlines with academic commitments.
• The application process is similar for apprenticeships and placements: tailor your CV, online verbal/non-verbal tests and virtual interviews.
• Apprenticeships and placements make you highly employable due to your work experience.
• An industrial placement helps you stand out from other graduates.
• Placements are typically paid and you are treated as a full-time employee.
• Always tailor your CV to the company you are applying to.

Gap Year Panel – Stuart Cuff (Bartle Frere, 2022), Cecilia Rainer (Alban’s, 2024) and Wendy Wang (Colvin, 2023)

Top tips: 

• Plan in advance. Be clear about your purpose, whether that is travel, work experience or  personal growth. 
• Make the year feel meaningful rather than just time off,  by saving, working, travelling and volunteering.
• Use your network. A key message was that speaking to teachers, mentors and others who have taken a gap year can lead to the best opportunities, which often come from conversations rather than formal adverts.
• Working and volunteering can build transferable skills for your CV as well as your confidence.
• Budget carefully. Save hard before you go, research costs in advance and keep a safety net, whilst also leaving room for spontaneous experiences.

A sincere thank you to our OH panellists for giving their time and insights and to our hosts, for expertly guiding the discussion.

Head to the Haileybury Connect to watch the webinars.