A well-developed aspiration for higher education is a critical precursor to preparing successfully for the journey toward higher education. It is not sufficient for students to merely aspire to pursue higher education. They must believe in their ability to thrive once enrolled, and they must comprehend how their preparation will influence their probability of success.

Beyond academic preparation, students need to develop the behaviours, skills, attitudes, and strategies — collectively called “non-cognitive skills” — in order to be truly positioned for success in higher education and beyond. Capture Minds’ curriculum emphasises six non-cognitive skills that are essential in higher education and career: having a growth mindset; persistence; critical thinking; ability to seek help and self-advocate; social capital skills; and optimism and excitement about the future.

Young people receive guidance to navigate the post-16 process, from applying to post-16 options to securing financial support and successfully matriculating.

Our young people graduate further education with the knowledge, skills, and mindset essential for higher education success, along with a concrete post-16 plan.

Within one year of further education graduation, young people enrol in a strong-fit, high-quality post-16 education option

Within six years of leaving further education , students complete their selected post-further education option, ensuring a successful transition into their chosen career pathway.

Career Exploration (October – December)

Students will be able to (SWBAT):

• Discuss career options and interests
• Explore fit factors for post-FE programmes
• Build a university list or alternative post-FE options

Phase 2: Post-16 Research (January – March)

SWBAT:

• Identify fit factors and research post-16 options
• Create a list of 5-10 strong post-16 options

Phase 3: Preparing for Summer and Year 13 (March – April)

SWBAT:

• Finalise post-16 plan and application process
• Plan summer tasks to stay on track

With the national ratio of students to school career advisors being around 200:1, the Capture Minds model revolutionises how schools equip students for post-FE success. School-to-career advisor ratios are often high, and Capture Minds aims to supplement existing careers advice in schools, ensuring more resources dedicated to students’ career development.

Unlike many similar programmes that predominantly focus on Year 13, Capture Minds provides support throughout both Year 12 and Year 13. This approach ensures that students receive guidance and resources early in their Further Education journey, maximising their preparation for post-FE options.

Recognising the imbalance in information dissemination between university routes and alternative pathways like apprenticeships, Capture Minds provides comprehensive information about various post-FE options. By offering equal emphasis on different pathways, including apprenticeships, Capture Minds ensures that disadvantaged young people are well-informed to make informed decisions about their futures.

Capture Minds adopts a whole-year approach rather than focusing solely on academically gifted students. This inclusive strategy ensures that all students, regardless of academic background, receive the support and resources they need to succeed in their chosen paths.

While many programmes offer one-off workshops or support limited to the application phase in Year 13, Capture Minds provides continuous, two-year weekly support. This long-term engagement allows students to receive ongoing guidance, mentorship, and resources, leading to better preparation and decision-making regarding their post-FE options.

Capture Minds recognizes the importance of dedicated time for career advice and support. While it’s challenging to provide an exact number of hours for careers advice in schools, Capture Minds ensures that students receive significantly more support compared to the typical allocation in schools, enhancing their opportunities for successful post-FE transitions.

Central to our approach is the involvement of dedicated career advisors with lived experience. Our advisors bring a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges faced by disadvantaged young people, ensuring that our support is both empathetic and effective. By fostering a sense of commonality with the students, our advisors create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable exploring their options and expressing their aspirations.