The study does note that good state schools and colleges provide structured help which allows the problem to largely disappear. Because we are more than a merely "good" school, we have for many years had a considerable programme of support, including:
- Promotion of taster days, master classes, extension courses and placements across this Blog, Twitter and, of course, Tutorial Time and assemblies.
- A wide enrichment programme which allows students to gain real experience and take real responsibility eg Rob's Festival organisation, Captaincy and Council roles.
- A week long programme in June/July which focuses on personal statement preparation.
- Support from Tutors and Head/Assistant Head of Sixth with drafting.
Fundamentally though, the key to a good personal statement is for the individual student to have something interesting to write about in pursuit of their wider subject knowledge (above and beyond the syllabus), and in terms of the skills they have developed inside and outside of the classroom. It must also be clear that the applicant can articulate how this learning and experience have helped shaped them into the kind of enquiring, enthusiastic and committed student that all universities seek.
