Here at Norwich School we are delighted to celebrate the talented diversity of our Upper Sixth cohort as UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) offers continue to roll in.

Law is a popular university course for Norwich School pupils to apply to and career for them to consider. Pupils were able to speak to solicitors and barristers working in a range of fields at the school’s Careers and Networking Evening earlier this week and the Model Arctic Council Event we hosted last weekend honed the public speaking and debating skills of the sixth formers involved.

This blog post asks three pupils about the application process that led to the offers they have received to date and the courses they are hoping to start in the autumn.

Reuben Francis

Tell us about the university offers that you've received so far i.e. what course(s) at which universities.

I’ve been offered LLB Law at the University of Cambridge, the University of Bristol, and Durham University, and I am still waiting on my other two choices.

On top of the usual UCAS application form, what else have you had to do as part of the admissions process to be considered for these highly competitive courses?

I had to take an interview and the LNAT admissions test.

How did Norwich School help you during the university application process?

The school provided active support with the personal statement, be that through my tutors, Mr Pearce or Mrs Warren. Mr. Pearce organised a session to prepare for the LNAT assessment, an Invitation to Law session with an Oxford Law professor, and a mock interview. They also helped me access other resources, like the library ordering in prep books I wanted and various societies, including the Law society, which were invaluable. Finally, the Critical Thinking sessions that were put on by Dr Speca were incredibly useful for both my admissions test and the interview.

Which other activities in sixth form helped strengthen your application?

I participated in several super-curricular activities, including mock law trials and the Law Society. I also gave a few lectures at the Jurisprudence Society that I started. My Independent Project was really long and involved the historical legal treatment of the first nations peoples and its impact on their current socio-economic position in Australia. I visited the Old Bailey and Royal Courts of Justice separately from school and with the school Mock Law Trial team. I also took part in essay competitions surrounding law and completed a few online introductory law courses (Cambridge’s Future Learn program is really good). I think the most important thing I did was to read as much as I could about the subject. I read a lot of books last year that were related to my subject, as well as a number of less academic, but still really useful and interesting, books.

Outside of law-related activities, what have you been involved in at Norwich School during sixth form?

I was involved in the following societies: Jazz Band, Chapel Choir, Close Shaves, Colloquium (where I gave a few talks), Herculites and the Wellington Society. I went to talks that interested me at Clio and Erpingham Societies and was involved in school rowing (but that tailed off towards the midpoint of Lower 6).

Which offer do you think you will pick as your CF (conditional firm) and what most excites you about that course?

I will definitely be picking Cambridge as my conditional firm; the thing that excites me the most about this course is the supervision system, as well as the opportunity to be engaged with the country’s top legal academics. 

Barnaby Karlson-Evans

Tell us about the university offers that you've received so far i.e. what course(s) at which universities.

I have now received all of my offers, among those, Nottingham, York, Warwick and Durham for Law LLB (3 Years).

On top of the usual UCAS application form, what else have you had to do as part of the admissions process to be considered for these highly competitive courses?

Ultimately, as an applicant, you want to prove why you are passionate about law. Certainly, when it comes to this field, work experience is desirable by universities. Although it’s not a requirement, it helps one’s application to stand out, which is beneficial as these courses become more competitive year on year. Universities understand that legal experience isn’t by any means easy to get, and if you find yourself in that position, don’t be disheartened; you can still attend talks, webinars, online courses or even sit in a courtroom as a member of the public. These alternatives don’t require you to contact someone in the legal field, are much easier to obtain and have just the same value.

How did Norwich School help you during the university application process?

Mrs Warren and Mr Pearce were invaluable when it came to the application process. Explaining admissions assessments, checking over applications, proofreading and suggesting revisions to a personal statement are all examples of what the school helps with. They are both very knowledgeable and are always happy to help address any concerns. This all helps to take the pressure off during a workload-intensive time of study and thus, make the process a lot less stressful.

Which other activities in sixth form helped strengthen your application?

The Independent Schools’ Mock Law Trial is one of the activities that strengthened my application. Getting hands-on experience, in a courtroom, acting as counsel (among other roles) is an invaluable skill which not only looks fantastic on your personal statement but also helps in other walks of life too, such as public speaking. Last year, the school progressed onto the national round, competing at the Old Bailey in London. This was a brilliant experience and if you’re interested in law, but not sure if it’s right for you, this can be a good taster of the subject and help you make up your mind. Debating Society was also an activity I used to do. It presents many opportunities to compete across the country, and also develops one’s critical thinking skills, which is beneficial when taking the LNAT, a law aptitude test, required by some universities.

Alethea Tweddle

Tell us about the university offers that you've received so far i.e. what course(s) at which universities.

I have had offers from Sheffield and Glasgow for common law and then human rights law from York. I’m still waiting on Bristol and LSE.

On top of the usual UCAS application form, what else have you had to do as part of the admissions process to be considered for these highly competitive courses?

The LNAT is probably the biggest addition besides the UCAS application as it helps the top universities to establish the best candidates. However, it is not used for all universities and some excellent places don’t require it, so I suggest applying for a range of places with and without LNAT as it reassures you that you have places to go to if it doesn’t go well.

How did Norwich School help you during the university application process?

The Apply Plus scheme was really helpful in guiding me where I wanted to go and how to strengthen my extra-curriculars in order to assure that my personal statement stood out. As well as this Mr Pearce arranged a meeting with a Professor Mirfield from Oxford who established the basic building blocks of a law degree which cemented my choice.

Which other activities in sixth form helped strengthen your application?

My main strengthening activity was definitely the Law Society and the Mock Law Trial in June last summer as it gave me a clear insight into how being a barrister in the UK works. In addition to this exploring the famous historical buildings of our judicial history inspired me to make my final decision. As well as this though, I followed it up by arranging meeting with barristers in some chambers in London who gave me an honest insight into the career I want.

Outside of law-related activities, what have you been involved in at Norwich School during sixth form?

My main co-curricular activity is FemSoc, as I have taken a leading role in the Upper Sixth. I really enjoy this club and it’s a wonderful community of strong women and empowering young girls and boys to talk about the hard issues gives me great pride and fulfilment.

Which offer do you think you will pick as your CF (conditional firm) and what most excites you about that course?

Bristol (if I get it!!) but if not probably Sheffield.