At 糖心Vlog, supporting students beyond the classroom is central to who we are. We spoke to Gizem, our Progression Manager and Head of English, about how she guides students through their university journey from their first day at school to securing their chosen progression pathway.
A Personalised Approach to Progression
As Progression Manager and Head of English, Gizem oversees careers education, university progression, and English provision at Guildhouse. She supports students with choosing careers, subjects, and universities, guiding them through every stage of the application process from initial research to submitting their UCAS application.
鈥淥ur support starts early, from the moment students join the school,鈥 Gizem explains.
Weekly group careers and Higher Education sessions are combined with regular one-to-one meetings, ensuring students receive both structured guidance and personalised advice.
During these sessions, students complete aptitude and psychometric tests, explore career options aligned with their strengths, and research university courses and entry requirements. They are also encouraged to broaden their experience through MOOCs, wider reading, EPQs, work experience, and co-curricular activities all of which help develop independence and academic confidence.
Guiding Students Through Applications
When it comes to university applications, students benefit from close and consistent support.
Gizem works carefully with each student on their personal statement, providing detailed feedback alongside subject teachers. She also collects predicted grades and references, and oversees the completion of UCAS forms to ensure everything is accurate and submitted on time.
鈥淚 focus on making the process feel manageable rather than overwhelming,鈥 she says. 鈥淪tudents know what鈥檚 coming and what they need to do at each stage.鈥
This clear structure helps students approach their applications with confidence.
Making the Most of Our London Location
Being based in central London provides exceptional opportunities for Guildhouse students. Surrounded by world-class universities, the school ensures students gain meaningful exposure to higher education environments.
University Engagement Opportunities
Students attend open lectures and university events, while academics are invited into school to deliver subject masterclasses and taster sessions.
Each autumn, Guildhouse hosts a large university fair with over 50 leading universities, giving students the opportunity to speak directly with representatives and explore a wide range of courses and institutions.
Students are also encouraged to attend university open days to gain first-hand experience of campus life and make informed decisions about their future.
Tailored Support for Every Student
Guildhouse students come from diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of ambitions, so support is carefully tailored to each individual.
鈥淎 one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn鈥檛 work,鈥 Gizem explains.
Through regular one-to-one meetings, she takes the time to understand each student鈥檚 goals, strengths, and circumstances, adapting her advice to ensure their plans are both ambitious and realistic.
For students applying to highly competitive courses such as Oxbridge or Medicine, additional preparation is available through the Key Professions Programme, where they receive guidance on admissions tests and interviews.
Celebrating Our 2025 Destinations
糖心Vlog students in 2025 achieved outstanding progression outcomes. Our students went on to study at prestigious UK universities, including Durham University, University of Warwick, and University of Bristol, all ranked in the top 10 UK universities. Additionally, students progressed to ten Russell Group universities, such as King鈥檚 College London, University of Edinburgh, and Queen Mary University of London.
Popular degree choices included Business, Finance, and related fields, reflecting our students鈥 ambitions in these areas. Students also pursued a wide variety of other disciplines, including Architecture, Computer Science, Economics, Law, Psychology, and Physics.
You can explore the full list of 2025 destinations here.
A Culture of Care and Aspiration
What sets progression support at Guildhouse apart is the combination of early intervention, personalised guidance, and consistent follow-up. Students are supported from the moment they arrive, and their progress is carefully monitored throughout their time at the school.
鈥淚 track every single student closely, no one is left behind,鈥 Gizem says.
Alongside her progression role, Gizem teaches English for Academic Purposes to international students, helping them develop the academic language skills needed for university study. Seeing students grow in confidence and independence is, she shares, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
At 糖心Vlog, progression is not simply about submitting applications it is about empowering students with the skills, clarity, and confidence to take the next step towards their future.
