UCAS Parents' Podcast

In this episode of the UCAS Parents’ Podcast, we lift the lid on what makes an Oxbridge application different. Host Jon Smith is joined by John Jefferies, Senior Tutor and Head of Politics at Warwick School, to demystify the process and share expert insight. We explore the earlier deadlines, entrance tests, and unique interview style at Oxford and Cambridge, while uncovering how parents can best s...

In this episode of the UCAS Parents’ Podcast, we explore one of the biggest milestones for families, the move to university. Host Jon Smith is joined by Suzanne Alderson, founder of Parenting Mental Health, to discuss how parents can prepare for this life-changing transition. We cover the emotional side of letting go and some practical tips that could really makes a difference when it comes to hel...

In this episode of the UCAS Parents’ Podcast, we take you under the bonnet of Results Day 2025. Host Jon Smith is joined by Sara Harker-Bettridge, Admissions Manager at Birmingham City University, to explore what actually goes on on the big day! We break down how the day is built, what universities are doing in real-time, and how parents can best support their child if things don’t go to plan. Whe...

Confused about Clearing? You’re not alone, and you’re not too late. In this episode of the UCAS Parents’ Podcast, host Jon Smith is joined by careers consultant Clementine Wade and university admissions expert Reena Littlehales to unpack the Clearing process: what it is, how it works, and why it has become a valuable route into higher education for thousands of students each year. We’ll bust the m...

Not sure which path is right for your child after school? Maybe they aren't either! In this episode of the UCAS Parents’ Podcast, host Jon Smith is joined by careers adviser James Wilmot and apprenticeship manager Emily Pearson to explore the range of post-16 and post-18 options available to students in 2025. From traditional university routes to apprenticeships, the team dive into the key differe...

The world of work is changing fast – but how can parents help their children prepare for careers that don’t even exist yet? In this episode of the UCAS Parents' Podcast, host Jon Smith is joined by careers advisers Liz Lloyd and content creator Clementine Wade to explore the shifting job market, the rise of remote work, and the exciting new industries emerging today. In this episode we unpack what...

Apprenticeships are on the rise, but are they right for your child? In this episode of the UCAS Parents' Podcast , host Jon Smith is joined by apprenticeship graduate Tash Tustin and careers adviser Gina Visram to explore how apprenticeships work, the industries offering them, and how they compare to university. From earning while learning to career progression, we answer key questions parents hav...