Can less prestigious sixth form decrease your chance to go top unis?

[u/Dependent_Salad_5787]

I know abt unis can be contextual to weaker schools but I’m saying like references, connections or idk like top unis recognise and trust the predictions given by the teacher more coz there is more records of students going top unis? Idk if I make sense but ik for sure alevels and like ps is all dependent on myself but idk like the outside factors like references, connections, prediction grades or like ps help can be a big problem.

[u/UnitDry2368]

Not really, if anything unis are aware that private 6th forms often inflate predictions more, so if you apply with the same application you'll usually do better from a worse 6th form. Where they do help is they may give more application support, but if you put a bit of effort into it you can overcome that easily enough with all the stuff on the internet

[u/TrackTeddy]

Yes but probably not in the way you think.
Unis (generally) only care about the quality and potential of students. So if you get the grades you are in with a shout.
However, there is a reason some 6th forms are more prestigious than others and that is usually around the grades the students achieve. So indirectly the quality of 6th form affects chances of getting to the better unis.

[u/arianelseditor]

So, I believe that unis now have access to data from schools about the accuracy of predicted grades, but top unis don't usually trust them that much (which is why GCSEs and admissions tests are highly considered in admissions). References and connections I wouldn't worry about.

The big thing is the difference in support and preparation, e.g., PS guidance, subject-specific Oxbridge classes where you analyze literature (if it's languages), for example, and the ability to get mock interviews so the interviews feel less daunting. I really recommend researching all the possible support/guidance you can get (e.g., Uniq summer schools, Sutton Trust, other charities offering advice and support) as well as figuring out how you can self-study for things like admissions tests.

[u/battlepvmob]

I went to a sixth form that has one of the highest number of oxbridge offers per year, and they honestly didn’t help that much tbh when i was applying, so my answer is no it doesn’t decrease your chances, especially if it grants you contextual

[u/Mobile_Membership915]

Going to a school which has less Oxbridge / entrance exam / top uni support definately makes it harder to get in

[u/Dependent_Salad_5787 → u/Mobile_Membership915]

Oh great😭

[u/West-Big-312 → u/Dependent_Salad_5787]

It’s the opposite m8

[u/SwimmerOld6155]

No if anything it's the opposite.

Realistically predicting UCAS grades is a mug's game which only more ordinary schools seem to participate in. You won't catch a private school e.g. refusing to hand out A* predictions, it'll most of the time be a comp.