Birkenhead Sixth Form College students inspired by two days of University visits

3 July 2025

Year 1 students at the College rounded off the end of the summer term by visiting a wide range of leading universities across the north west, as part of a two-day initiative designed to inspire and inform future ambitions. The students were offered a taste of university life during two packed days of campus visits to some of the north west’s top universities.

Across the two days, students had the opportunity to explore a range of different higher education options, with visits to Lancaster University, the University of Liverpool, Leeds Beckett University, Edge Hill University, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), and the University of Leeds. The visits formed a key part of the College’s nationally recognised careers provision.

The trips were designed to broaden students’ horizons, support their next-step planning, and give them valuable insight into university life. Students toured campuses, explored accommodation, visited academic departments, and heard from current undergraduates about their experiences.

The two-day initiative reflects Birkenhead Sixth Form College’s commitment to supporting students in achieving their ambitions, whether that be through higher education, apprenticeships, or entering the world of work.

With around 80% of our final year students choosing to go onto university each year, the number of students who progress to the prestigious Sutton 30 universities has been hailed as ‘remarkable’ by the Sixth Form Colleges Association. The College's robust careers programme plays a pivotal role in preparing students for their futures.

Head of student development at the College, David Barrigan, said: “These visits are a practical way for students to gather information and start thinking seriously about their next steps. Being able to see different campuses, ask questions, and compare environments helps students make more informed choices about what’s right for them.”

The College's commitment to high-quality, impartial careers education has been recognised nationally on multiple occasions. Birkenhead Sixth Form College was the first sixth form college in the UK to receive the Quality in Careers Standard award.

With the UCAS application process already underway, the timing of the visits provided a perfect opportunity for students to reflect over the summer on their future goals and take the next steps in shaping their path beyond college. Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many saying the visits had sparked new ideas about what and where they might want to study after College.