How Northampton School for Girls harnesses student voice for sixth form recruitment

11 glowing five-star reviews in one month. That's what happens when schools actively use their ApplicaaOne profile to showcase authentic student experiences.

Northampton School for Girls demonstrates exactly how ApplicaaOne should be used for sixth form recruitment. By encouraging students to share their experiences, they've created a powerful resource that does the heavy lifting of converting prospective students and families.

Why this approach works

As we all know, sixth form recruitment requires a different approach than year 7 admissions. Students aged 16 are making informed, independent choices about their next steps, often considering multiple schools. They want to hear from peers who've already made that decision - not just read polished marketing copy.

NSG understands this. Their ApplicaaOne profile has become a hub of genuine student feedback, providing prospective students with the peer insights they're actively seeking.

What students are actually saying

In November 2025 alone, NSG received eleven detailed five-star reviews from current sixth form students - both internal students who stayed on from year 11 and external students who joined from other schools. The reviews consistently highlight four key themes:

1. Outstanding pastoral care

Students don't just mention good support - they name specific staff members and explain exactly how they've made a difference. Mrs Bignell, Head of Year 12, is described as "kind and very approachable" and "an absolutely incredible psychology teacher, an even better head of year." Mr Wynn is praised as "patient, attentive and has genuine care for students" who "makes psychology and sociology lessons extremely engaging and enjoyable."

One student, wrote: "What made my experience better during sixth form was knowing that I had created a great support group around me and was able to express my concerns, knowing that they were heard and acted upon instead of being pushed to the side."

This level of detail provides exactly what prospective students need - concrete evidence of how pastoral support actually works in practice.

2. Balance between academic rigour and wellbeing

Multiple reviews emphasise that NSG doesn't just focus on grades. One review noted: "They not only value grades - although they are always ready to praise when you show improvements - but also understand school can be stressful, attesting to the great wellbeing support we have here."

This balance is crucial for families evaluating sixth form options. It addresses a key concern - will my child be supported holistically, not just academically?

3. Breadth of opportunities

Students detail specific programmes and leadership opportunities available to them. As another review explained: "Since starting sixth form, I have had the opportunity to be part of many things such as Young Enterprise and Science Technicians - allowing me to have fun while I learn while also installing vital skills for post-18."

These concrete examples - Student Leadership Team, Young Enterprise, Science Technicians, Sports Leaders - give prospective students a clear picture of what's possible beyond the classroom.

4. Welcoming to external students

Perhaps the most valuable insights come from external students who joined NSG for sixth form. One student who moved to England five years ago wrote: "I've joined different schools but NSG is the best school I've attended. Teachers actually help you to get the content and you have a lot of support."

For prospective external students - often anxious about joining an established community - these reviews provide crucial reassurance that they'll be welcomed and supported.

The measurable impact

The reviews consistently rate NSG highly across all ApplicaaOne metrics:

• Teaching quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Student support: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Facilities and resources: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Opportunities and enrichment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When prospective families visit NSG's ApplicaaOne profile, they find:

• Credible peer voices rather than marketing language
• Specific examples of what makes the sixth form distinctive
• Reassurance for external students that they'll fit in
• Evidence of pastoral care that goes beyond generic promises

This is social proof at its most effective.

What makes NSG's approach stand out

NSG hasn't left their ApplicaaOne profile to chance. They've:

1. Actively encouraged students to share their experiences
2. Made it easy for the sixth form community to leave reviews - and responded positively to these reviews
3. Created a culture where student voice is genuinely valued
4. Built momentum - 11 reviews in a single month shows sustained engagement

The result is a living showcase of student experiences that prospective families can explore at any stage of their decision-making journey.

What you can learn from NSG's success

NSG has created something special here - a community of student advocates who are actively supporting sixth form recruitment. Their approach offers valuable lessons for others:

• Make student voice accessible 24/7 Whilst prospectuses and open evenings have their place, families are researching options at all hours. NSG's ApplicaaOne profile means parents can read authentic peer perspectives at 11pm on a Sunday when questions arise.
• Trust students to tell your story Rather than controlling the narrative, NSG has empowered students to share what matters to them. The result? Unfiltered perspectives that resonate far more powerfully than polished marketing copy ever could.
• Recognise the power of peer-to-peer communication 16-year-olds trust other 16-year-olds. By giving current students a platform, NSG has created the most credible form of recruitment marketing available.
• Build momentum through consistency 11 reviews in one month doesn't happen by accident. NSG has clearly fostered a culture where student voice is genuinely valued, and students feel motivated to share their experiences.

Congratulations to Northampton School for Girls for demonstrating how ApplicaaOne can become a cornerstone of effective sixth form recruitment. Your student community has become your most powerful advocates - and it shows.

Your ApplicaaOne profile can be a powerful recruitment tool. Make it easy for students to share their experiences and watch your sixth form community become your best marketing resource.

Claim your free profile here or to speak to the team about maximising your ApplicaaOne profile.