The majority of Bexley Grammar School students go on to higher education. In 2023 this included 98 securing places at Russell Group* institutions (approximately 55% of the 178 students who gained university places). The full list, showing the range of courses chosen, is given below. Students are given extensive guidance and support in choosing their pathways, including one to one impartial advice and guidance from the school’s own qualified Careers and Higher Education Adviser, as well as input from the highly experienced team of tutors and the 6th form leadership.

Beginning in the spring term of Year 12, students are encouraged to research higher education options carefully, including visiting universities and attending taster events. Visiting speakers from universities and employers contribute to the annual Careers and UCAS day for students, and subsequent off-timetable days are used to support students further in their research and applications. An evening providing detailed information about preparing to apply for specific subjects takes place in the spring for Year 12 parents and students, and a general higher education information evening is held for Year 12 parents and students in the Summer Term.

Students aiming at the most competitive universities and courses (including Oxbridge and medicine, dentistry and vet science) are supported by a specialist team; preparation activities include weekly meetings during Year 12 and 13, lectures and talks by guest speakers including academics from a number of universities, and extensive support throughout the application process, including interview and admissions test preparation.

Students choosing alternative routes are supported with individual advice and guidance and have taken several pathways, with a number taking Degree Apprenticeships with employers such as Commerzbank, KPMG, Barclays and the NHS. Some students apply to university after a gap year, or apply to Universities abroad.

*The Russell Group consists of 24 of the leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector. (It is so named because the first informal meetings of the Group took place at the Hotel Russell in Russell Square.)