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APRIL EDITION: VOL. 4

#LongRoadLife

LONG ROAD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE APPLICANT NEWSLETTER

CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND COLLEGE LIFE

Hello from Long Road!

In this edition of #LongRoadLife, we’re celebrating the vibrant community that makes our college so special.

We’re especially proud to celebrate an important milestone for young people across Cambridge — the success of our campaign to save the Tiger Bus Pass, highlighting the power of student voice and collective action.

Finally, we’re shining a light on the incredible community work and events our students have been involved in, showcasing the importance of youth social action and the impact of coming together to make a difference.

Happy reading!

Long Road

ADMISSIONS TEAM UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who attended an Advice and Guidance Meeting this Spring! We had a great time getting to know you and your families, we hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Our Enrolment and Start of Term Dates have now been published on our website. Please find them on the next page of this newsletter.

If you have not had an Advice and Guidance Meeting but would still like to continue with your application, please let us know as soon as possible.

If you have had your meeting, but are yet to accept your offer, please accept this as soon as possible.

We can only invite applicants who have accepted their offer to our Summer Welcome Day, and we don’t want you to miss out!

Don’t forget, you can accept offers of study from multiple post-16 education providers before making your final decision on where you would like to study after results day.

Please click here to log in to your Admissions+ account and accept your offer if you have not done so already.

If you are no longer interested in studying at Long Road, please email us on admissions@longroad.ac.uk

If you change your mind after withdrawing your application, you may be placed on a waiting list.

YOUR APPLICATION TIMELINE

Your application timeline will help you keep track of where you are in the admissions process and keep you informed of what happens next.

Look for the arrow location to see where we are in the process!

OCTOBER 2025

Applications Open

SPRING & SUMMER 2026

Virtual Guidance Meetings & Conditional Offer

Discuss your options with an experienced member of staff. You'll receive a conditional offer via your Admissions+ account shortly after your meeting.

13 JANUARY 2026

Applications Close.

Applications made after the deadline may be placed on a waiting list

20 AUGUST 2026

GCSE Results Day

Good luck! We're keeping our fingers crossed for you

29 JUNE 2026

Welcome Day

Spend the day as a Long Road student; try out your subjects & get a taste of Long Road life. Auditions for Performing Arts subjects will also be held during Welcome Day.

3 SEPTEMBER 2026

New Student Orientation

Your first day on-campus as an official Long Road student!

25 - 27 AUGUST 2026

New Student Enrolment

Welcome to the Long Road family!

7 SEPTEMBER 2026

Start of Academic Year

2026/2027

Time to start your Long Road life!

EYE OF THE TIGER (PASS)

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ leadership on this issue. Affordable transport is a lifeline, not a luxury, and their voices are shaping a fairer, more connected future for young people across the region.”

Steve Dann Principal

On Thursday 29 March , Long Road Sixth Form College hosted a celebration marking the successful securing of funding for the Tiger Pass for the 2026–27 academic year, while launching a new phase of collaboration with Mayor Paul Bristow and regional partners to expand and strengthen affordable transport for young people across Cambridgeshire and beyond.

The Tiger Pass—used by more than 60,000 young people—caps bus fares for under 25s at £1 per journey, saving students up to £900 annually. Students and staff from Long Road have been central to the campaign to protect the scheme, working alongside Cambridge Citizens and engaging political leaders to highlight the essential role affordable transport plays in access to education, work, and social opportunities.

A research team from Anglia Ruskin University presented early findings examining young people’s transport experiences across the region. Educational institutions, including local colleges and universities, offered to share anonymised commute data to support further research into the journeys of young people in the region.

Mayor Bristow publicly committed to two key actions: Working with students and Cambridge Citizens to identify a long term funding solution for the Tiger Pass from 2027 onward. Exploring a cross‑regional model enabling equitable access to the scheme for all young people.

While he didn’t agree to commission research into the journeys of young people, he did agree to meet with students and educationalleaderstolookatthe

journeys of young people, he did agree to meet with students and educational leaders to look at the data they held for potential inclusion in the Combined Authorities Transport Strategy.

Emily King, a student leader at Long Road, reflected on the event saying:

“Securing funding for the Tiger Pass for 2026–27 is a huge step forward.

I’m really encouraged by the commitment to keep working with students on a long-term solution and to explore expanding the scheme regionally, so students like me, who never got the chance to have this financial support, can.”

satisfaction with the outcome, saying:

“Knowing that the Tiger Pass will continue for another year is a huge relief. It’s not just a discount —it’s what allows so many of us to get to school, to work, and to take part in the things that help shape our future. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited that the Mayor has agreed to work with us to secure long‑term change.”

The event concluded with thanks to supporting political leaders and partner institutions, followed by a group photo and a performance by the Long Road house band.

It was a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the platform, tools, and trust to lead. Well done to all the students involved from Long Road Sixth Form College your passion, leadership, and commitment to this campaign has shown what positive change can be made when young people are heard!

Charlotte Smith Social Action &

Enrichment Coordinator

Alongside these discussions, students were able to meet Cambridge City Council Electoral Team, asking questions about registering to vote, and gaining a clearer understanding of elections in the UK. Overall, the event provided a valuable, real-world insight into democracy in action and empowering the next generation of voters to think critically, engage confidently, and have their say.

WELCOME TO YOUR VOTE

WEEK 2026

Students engaged in lively debate and hands-on learning during this year’s Welcome to Your Vote Week, an event designed to build confidence and understanding around the democratic process. With the support of Cambridge City Council, the event gave young people the opportunity to explore how voting works and why their voices matter.

A key highlight of the event was a mock ballot, where students cast their votes on the topical question: “Should social media be banned for under 16s?” A total of 72 votes were recorded, sparking thoughtful discussion across the student community. The results revealed that 56.3% of voters were against the proposed ban, reflecting a majority view in favour of maintaining access to

social media for younger users.

Many students raised concerns that a ban could push young people onto more unregulated platforms, potentially increasing risks rather than reducing them. Others pointed to Australia, where similar restrictions have led to reports of young people using VPNs to bypass controls.

In addition to the mock ballot, students took part in interactive voting scales on a range of issues, including whether it is important for businesses to reach net-zero and whether politics should be mandatory in secondary schools. These activities sparked energetic and respectful debate, highlighting just how politically engaged students at Long Road are.

Ramadan, Charlotte Smith, Social Action & Enrichment Coordinator, joined Year 13 student Safa Darr to attend a special community Iftar event on behalf of Cambridge Citizens. Together, they led an activity known as a “Weaving Trust”, designed to encourage meaningful dialogue and strengthen relationships between people from different backgrounds.

The evening welcomed around 250 attendees from across the city, all coming together to break their fast and share in the spirit of Ramadan. Beyond the shared meal, the event placed a strong emphasis on dialogue and community-building. As part of the Weaving Trust activity, participants were invited to step outside their comfort zones by speaking to someone they had never met before.

the city important to you?” and “What hopes do you have for the city’s future?”. This simple but powerful exercise sparked conversations throughout the Guildhall. The room quickly filled with the sound of laughter, thoughtful discussion and the buzz of new friendships forming. The event highlighted how shared experiences, particularly sharing food during Ramadan, can create opportunities for understanding and connection across cultures, faiths and generations.

By the end of the evening, the message of the Iftar was clear: when people come together with openness and curiosity, meaningful dialogue can flourish, and stronger, more connected communities can grow.

It was a privilege to attend the event and encourage others to form new connections. The community iftar was about bringing people together, sharing food, and sharing dialogue. It was energising to learn about people from different backgrounds and to understand that together we can do good in the community.

Charlotte Smith Social Action & Enrichment Coordinator

GET INVOLVED

All of our students are off timetable (no lessons) on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons for what we call Plus Time (2:40PM - 4:10PM).

The majority of our Student Societies meeting during Plus Time or Lunchtime so that all students can come along and get involved!

If you can't find a group that you want to get involved in then our staff will support you to start your own!

STUDENT CLUBS & SOCIETIES

Long Road is a community that not only works together but plays together! Our enrichment programme encourages you to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills that will complement the knowledge gained in your academic studies.

We know that it’s important for your wellbeing that you get time to relax – so take a break and get involved in something you enjoy.

From choirs to a theatre company, you don’t have to be studying Performing Arts to get involved in our stage shows. Not a born performer? Take control of the lighting, costumes, set design or music. Take on the challenge of learning an instrument; whether its drums, the piano or even the saxophone we have the facilities for you to develop your musical and theatrical skills.

All students at Long Road Sixth Form College have the opportunity to sign up to the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Scheme. This is a fantastic way to enjoy new and exciting experiences, develop skills and enhance your UCAS and job applications!

This is a prestigious award that offers you the opportunity to build your confidence, gain new friends and develop skills that will really enhance your university and job applications.

Take a look at the next page to see just a handful of student clubs and societies that you can get involved in!

We also have a number of competitive and casual sports opportunities... more info on those in our next edition!

SPORTS STUDENTS

Shortly before the Easter break, a variety of experienced professionals joined our Sports and PE Careers Panel, to engage with 158 A Level PE and Applied Sport students. They spoke about their roles, career journeys, and the changing nature of the world of work and their sectors.

Students heard from Dr Mistrelle Ellmore, Associate Professor of Exercise, Nutrition, and Inclusive Well Being at the University of Lincoln, Kate Hicks, Behaviour Change Lead at Living Sport, and Andy Rice, former publisher, and sports events consultant. Long Road alumni on the panel included Joe Mitton, entrepreneur, and founder of MittFit, who spoke about starting his personal training company

shortly after leaving Long Road, and Ash Dyer, now an Education Manager at The Premier League Charitable Fund. Each outlined the skills and personal attributes which their industries look for and the range of opportunities available in sports related careers.

The panel answered questions on entrepreneurship, university study and the qualifications required in their field, and the impact of AI on future careers. At the end of the event, many students stayed behind to discuss their own career plans with the panellists. Dr Ellmore also provided information about studying sports-related degrees at the University of Lincoln and shared prospectuses.

The panellists didn't hold back in offering candid, practical advice in how to stand out from the crowd and the importance of putting yourself forward and being proactive and brave. Often the career paths of our professionals were not obvious or predictable and they highlighted the need to create your own luck and to put yourself in positions where you can take advantage of unexpected opportunities.Tariq Sadiq Careers Lead

HARRISON

Class of 2013

Studied:

English Literature A Level

Film Studies A Level

Media Studies A Level

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: HARRISON

DO YOU KNOW A FORMER LONG ROAD STUDENT?

Tell them about our Alumni Network: www.longroad.ac.uk/alumni

I chose Long Road because I was unsure of what I wanted to do as a career and their courses piqued my interest. I didn't know jobs within media were attainable and it seemed like the perfect place to learn more about that world.

I have so many fond memories, but one that sticks in my mind is when some students and I shot a music video in my parents' back garden as part of our coursework. There were proper instruments and everything; we took it quite seriously at the time!

Long Road had exposed me to media in a way that compelled me to go further and seek out my niche. It led

me to my first choice university - Bournemouth University - where I would discover my obsession for radio and audio production. And from there, I achieved my dream of working for the BBC. Long Road was the place that showed me the possibilities; any student fortunate enough to study there will have their world opened up to them.

After leaving Long Road i went on to study a BA (Hons) Media Production degree at Bournemouth University and I am now an award-winning Audio Creative with the BBC's in-house creative agency, BBC Creative, working across the corporation's biggest radio stations.

MEET SCHOLAR STUDENT,

OLIVIA

One of the reasons why I chose to study at Long Road was because they offered the Graphic Design course, which I was really interested in trying out and finding out more about the career. Also, when I went to the open days, the teachers were very nice and the students there were very helpful and very interested in their subjects. Also, Long Road was one of the schools which allowed me to mix my love for science and my creative side, which wasn’t an opportunity in other colleges.

I applied for the Scholars Award because I wanted to contribute to the school. A lot of people don’t apply because they think they won’t get in (like me), but I would encourage anyone to apply because you’ve got nothing to lose!

I’ve been loving college so far and look forward to learning new things and seeing my friends every day. I’ve met lots of great people who share career ideals or have completely different ones to mine, but everyone is passionate about what they like, which is something I love and feel like Long Road promotes (doing something you are passionate about). Also, something I really like about Long Road, is the lessons. My teachers explain everything really well. I can ask questions if I don’t understand something, but usually, they are engaging lessons and, for example, sciences can be quite content-heavy, but I feel like we do a great balance between theory and practical's, which are always fun.

OLIVIA Secondary School: Ely College

Year 1 Student

Studying: Biology A Level Chemistry A Level Graphic Design Level 3

Click here to apply for the Long Road Scholars Award today!