Start with Your Child: Who Are They as a Learner and Person?

Before looking at league tables or UCAS deadlines, the most important starting point is your child. Camilla encouraged parents to reflect honestly on:

• Their academic strengths and genuine interests
• Whether they’re a theoretical or practical learner 
• How much structure and support they’ll need at university
• Whether their subject choice is based on career goals or true enthusiasm.

• Whether their subject choice is based on career goals or true enthusiasm

It’s easy to assume your child is a mini version of yourself but university success depends on the right fit, not the familiar path.

Choosing the Right Course: It’s Not Just About Passion

‘Passion’ is the most overused word in the UCAS process and can be overwhelming. Instead, Camilla suggests asking:

Pro Tip: Do not just describe studies – engage with them. After reading every article or book, ask yourself:

• What subject genuinely hold their interest?
• How do their predicted grades align with course requirements?
• What are the career outcomes and does that matter to them right now?

She also warned against “playing the numbers.” Applying to a course just because it’s less competitive can backfire if your child isn’t genuinely excited about it.

Students should also be encouraged to explore new, university-only subjects like PPE, criminology, or international relations that may align with interests they haven’t yet connected to a course.

University Fit: It’s More Than a Brand Name

Choosing the right university involves more than comparing reputations:

• Campus or city-based? Some students thrive in a self-contained environment, others in the buzz of city life.
• Distance from home: Do they want independence or comfort?
• Pastoral support: This varies significantly between universities, especially for students with SEND or emotional needs.
• Facilities and accommodation: Especially important for high-level athletes or practical course applicants.

What to Know About Oxbridge

Camilla shared a clear-eyed look at Oxford and Cambridge Universities:

• They’re not for everyone – intense, competitive, and built for students who thrive on challenge.
• The application process is different: earlier deadlines, interviews, and in some cases, extra tests.
• Not all subjects are offered, especially vocational ones.
• The tutorial and college system is unique and can be transformative for the right kind of student.

Want to take your dissertation to the next level?

• Minimum entry requirements are just that – minimums. Successful applicants usually exceed them.
• Use the pyramid approach: one stretch, two realistic, two safe.
• Take a gap year if needed. It’s a strategy, not a failure.
• Don’t ignore GCSEs as they’re often factored into competitive applications.

Our Favourite Tools and Platforms

• UCAS: the essential application hub
• Unifrog: great for filtering courses and logging extracurriculars
• Informed Choices: Russell Group subject advice
• League tables: helpful, but not the full story
• WhatUni / The Student Room: student insight – use critically!

Timeline to Keep in Mind

• Summer, Year 12: Start researching and attend open days
• Autumn, Year 13: UCAS applications open
• October 15: Deadline for Oxbridge, Medicine, Vet, Dentistry
• January 25: Final UCAS deadline
• Spring: Offers and decisions roll in

Supporting Without Taking Over

Parents have a vital role but it’s not about control:

• Ask open questions like “What excites you about this subject?”
• Encourage research and independence
• Let them lead but stay available for support
• Remind them (and yourself): there’s no single “right” choice

💬 Final Thoughts

The university journey doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be right for your child and that can look different for every family.

A first-class degree from a lesser-known uni can open more doors than a mediocre result from a Russell Group name.

Want to watch the full webinar? Email us – we’d be happy to share it.

At Enjoy Education, we provide one-to-one support for families navigating UK, US, European and Canadian university applications. If you’d like expert advice from Camilla or our university team, get in touch today.