Rivers Academy students prepare for their futures at University and Apprenticeship Fair held at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium

Rivers Academy students swapped West London for North London last week as they travelled across the capital to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for UK University Search’s annual London university and apprenticeship fair.

The Year 12 pupils will be thinking about life post-Sixth Form in the coming months with some preparing to kick-start their careers while others will begin the application process for university.

As well as stalls from universities across the country, the pupils were also able to attend a range of talks, varying from student finance, Oxford and Cambridge explained, UCAS Personal Statement and Application Advice, and Why take an Apprenticeship?

Other features at the event included interactive STEM and creative zones, which resemble the commitment shared by the Aspirations Academies Trust, to obtain a well-rounded education with skills relevant for the 21^st century.

At aged 16, there are many misconceptions around studying at university. Leah Pachnanda, 16, said: “I feel like before this trip, I didn’t know how many options that were out there”

“I guess I thought that university was only for core subjects like law or medicine, but the trip to the Emirates Stadium made me realise that there is a lot out there and I feel like it has made me more inclined towards university!”

A key message of the day was to remind students that there is more than one way of determining success and although university and further education are high aspirations and huge achievements, it is also important to consider other routes that may be more relevant to begin their careers.

Tanaiya Karavadra, also 16, explained that: “The day has been very useful because I have had very minimal knowledge about degree apprenticeships, but after the event, it is definitely something that I am seriously interested in pursuing!”

“Also, speaking with other people and hearing about their own experiences in this was really nice as it gave you a real insight into the opportunities that are available to you. Hearing other people’s success stories was really inspiring!”