For over a century, University of Staffordshire has been at the forefront of transforming potential into achievement, serving as a place of possibility and helping individuals realise their ambitions. Building on this legacy, University of Staffordshire London has formed a strategic partnership with St. Charles Catholic Sixth Form College, a leading further education institution in Ladbroke Grove, with the shared goal of enabling students to unlock their potential, whether they’re considering higher education, apprenticeships, or a career pathway right out of college.
Sammy Engele, Head of Recruitment and Outreach at University of Staffordshire London explained the purpose of the partnership, “At University of Staffordshire London, we are proud to be a ‘catalyst for change’ – empowering all students to pursue a brighter future. We deeply value the dedication and commitment of staff working at the schools and colleges we collaborate with, such as St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College, who work tirelessly to support their students’ career aspirations and progression. Through this partnership, we’re excited to contribute further to that support by providing clear pathways for young people to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in higher education and beyond.”
The collaboration with St. Charles Catholic Sixth Form College, will be enhanced by the career guidance platform Unifrog, the universal destinations platform for 11–18-year-old students. St. Charles has a strong history of guiding students toward higher education, apprenticeships, and employment. This partnership expands on that mission, offering students greater opportunities to explore diverse pathways and broaden their horizons.
The initiative sponsored by University of Staffordshire London, offers targeted support and access to Unifrog, which is the universal destinations platform supporting students with researching and preparing for their lives after school or college. The platform not only supports students in identifying their ideal next steps but also provides crucial resources that will enhance their college experience, bridging the gap between colleges and university, and in turn guiding students towards fulfilling careers.
Oznur Ay, Head of Computing at St. Charles Sixth Form College, highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, "The partnership with the University of Staffordshire London will provide immense benefits to our students. It will offer them access to advanced educational resources, expert faculty, and enhanced career guidance. This collaboration will enhance their learning experience through exposure to cutting-edge industry practices and technologies. Students will also benefit from 1:2:1 mentoring from graduates, helping them gain valuable skills required in the workforce. Additionally, there will be opportunities for networking, internships, and real-world projects, giving them a competitive edge in their careers. The partnership can facilitate smoother transitions to higher education, with potential pathways and support for those pursuing further studies.”
Tim Shehu, Careers Leader at St. Charles Sixth Form College echoed the enthusiasm, “Unifrog consolidates comprehensive information into a user-friendly platform, helping students explore career pathways, draft personal statements, and compare university courses. With 85% of our students actively engaged and 92% of Year 12s logged in, the platform is already making a significant impact. Our work experience coordinator has also worked diligently on the placements tool for volunteering and work experience, further enhancing students’ development opportunities.”
The initiative includes key components designed to support students in their academic journey, including:
- Unifrog Integration: Students will gain access to Unifrog, which allows them to explore career options, track academic progress, and receive tailored advice on university applications, apprenticeships, and post-college pathways.
- Interactive Workshops and Activities: A series of interactive workshops and activities will be held in collaboration with the University of Staffordshire London, exposing students to university staff, academic disciplines, and career possibilities they may not have considered.
- Higher Education and Career Awareness: By demystifying the application processes for university and apprenticeships, the intiative aims to empower students with knowledge about their options, enabling them to make informed decisions.
- Evaluating Impact and Measuring Success: Regular assessments will track students’ progress, gather feedback, and refine the intiative to ensure its effectiveness in supporting academic and career goals.
Arash Khosravi, Sponsorships and Impact Lead at Unifrog, emphasised the importance of these initiatives, “Unifrog is fully embedded in over 2,800 schools and colleges in the UK, and partners with 110 universities and 90 employers, bridging the gap between schools and higher education and the workplace. Through bespoke events and tailored insights, we create meaningful connections by aligning university outreach activity with schools’ priorities. Most importantly, Unifrog showcases higher education opportunities which students may not have encountered otherwise, inspiring young people - particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds - to explore and pursue aspirational pathways. Unifrog uses data-insights to provide tailored content which aligns with each student’s interests, helping them discover courses, careers, and other opportunities to achieve their best next step. By analysing how different student groups engage with the Unifrog platform, we identify, and address barriers faced by disadvantaged learners, ensuring every student has the tools to reach their potential.”
This partnership reflects the University of Staffordshire’s commitment to working closely with local educational institutions to build strong support networks for students at pivotal points in their academic journeys. By fostering connections and providing vital resources, the collaboration between University of Staffordshire London, St. Charles Catholic Sixth Form College, and Unifrog will help students take confident steps toward fulfilling their educational and career aspirations.