It is important for students to develop the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about the next stages of their life after secondary school. Our Higher Education Team counsels students in a wide range of higher education and careers options.
At South Island School, careers education in the lower years is delivered mostly through the Pastoral Programme as well as some bespoke workshops intending to investigate the world of work. The team coordinates work experience for Year 11 students.
Higher education guidance happens through individual and group provision in Years 11-13. The team takes an active part in advising students on programme and subject options, particularly in Year 11. In Years 12 and 13 they advise students on a group and individual basis and manage applications for all the major higher education destinations: UK, USA, Hong Kong, Canada and Australia. They are also able to help students research and apply to other tertiary systems. They advise on overseas tests such as TOEFL/IELTS and SAT/ACT. Evening meetings that focus on Higher Education are organised for the parents of students in Years 11 and 12.
We have a dedicated Careers Centre located in the Diploma Centre on the Sixth Floor and is stocked with a comprehensive range of reference materials and prospectuses. Students also have access to Unifrog, a platform that supports both careers and university research. SIS is lucky enough to be visited by university representatives from around the world, and there are hundreds of opportunities throughout the year to meet with them via the Higher Education Team.
South Island School's Higher Education Destinations
The UK remains South Island School’s preferred destination, with 31.8% of the class of 2026 choosing to matriculate to this country. The second most popular, with 26%, was Hong Kong. USA (6.9%) continues to experience a decline in popularity. European applicants will be going to the Netherlands, France and Spain, and we have one student going to China. Interest in taking a Gap Year before studying has rebounded from last year, with 7.5% of students choosing this path.
South Island School's Choice of degree subject
Science, engineering, and applied health courses such as medicine, physiotherapy, and nursing were very popular with the class of 2026. South Island School students have always understood the value of humanities and social sciences, and this year, 18 students matriculated to a degree in this field. The creative arts had 6 students choose these subjects. We had 3 students choose not to declare a major. Our IBCP students have matriculated to the UK, US, Hong Kong and Canada. One student has gone on to play professional rugby.
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