For 15 and 16 year olds across the city, this school year brings with it a big life decision – what's next?
So, amongst the revision, exams and coursework, Year 11s also have to add in prospectus reading and Open Events to their busy schedule.
Although often time-consuming, researching post-16 options is hugely important for all Year 11 students.
With friends influencing choices and the safety of staying on at school being a tempting option, many Year 11 students may not consider moving elsewhere after their GCSEs and can often make the wrong decision.
With so many options available, deciding what to study can often be quite daunting.
If you have a career goal in mind it is important to research the qualifications needed to get you there. There are lots of websites that can help with this e.g. careerpilot.org.uk and careersnearhere.com.
For those without a final destination in mind it is important to choose subjects that you know you will enjoy and are likely to excel in and also to choose a range of subjects in order to keep your options open moving forward.
St Brendan's is the Sixth Form College for Bristol and Bath – the college offers over 70 different A-level and Level 3 courses to 16 – 18 year olds and enables students to mix and match subjects in any combination.
Timetable logistics are not an issue and course choice boundaries are not imposed.
What's more, every teacher at the college is a specialist in their field and teaches their subject to post-16 students every day; ensuring every student on each course receives personal and experienced teaching.
It isn't just what goes on in the classroom that is important, you need to ensure you'll enjoy your whole post-16 experience.
St Brendan's has excellent options for teens. The college provides a wealth of enrichment opportunities for students to enjoy. Trips to the likes of Iceland, New York and Naples encourage students to think outside of the classroom and apply learning to the real-world.
Students don't have to get on a plane however to enhance their learning and enjoy their post-16 life. The college supports students in setting up clubs and societies and offers a range of inspiring and inclusive groups for students to join, from sports clubs to computing and feminist groups, to social justice and blogging societies.
Visiting open days to explore the facilities on offer is essential. Some schools and colleges will have several sites and so finding out where each of your subjects will be taught is important.
St Brendan's is a one site university style campus. Student life is supported by impressive facilities and equipment; everything is designed specifically for 16 – 18 year olds.
Their county-standard sports facilities, vibrant art studios, professional performance spaces and science labs are the third reason why St Brendan's is a great option.
Finding out previous results for the courses that you have chosen and where former students have progressed onto is a good thing to check out.
St Brendan's Sixth Form College is an educational home to over 1800 students who range in academic ability, and yet it boasts impressive results year on year.
This year the St Brendan's A-level pass rate was 97 per cent, with 66.4 per cent of the 141 students on the college's Advanced Graduate Programme achieving A*- B grades; 13.3% above the national average.
With great results, St Brendan's students go on to a range of different destinations after college life, and with the support of dedicated careers guidance officers and academic mentors each student is supported on their path to their future.
From Oxford and Cambridge universities, to apprenticeships, gap years or the world of work, the college works hard to ensure students secure the grades and experiences to get them where they want to be.
Making sure you are comfortable with the journey to your preferred option is also important.
Surrounded by trees and plenty of land, it's easy to miss the St Brendan's site which is nestled just off the A4 in Brislington.
However, it isn't a coincidence that the college attracts students from over 70 different schools across Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire – the great transport links surrounding the college make it easy for students to reach.
As well as public buses which stop outside of the college, multiple cycle paths and a student car park, pupils are able to make use of the private college coaches which take six different routes every morning and afternoon.
With easy links into the centre of Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire, there's no reason why Year 11 students shouldn't consider St Brendan's as an option, regardless of their postcode.