Study with us

Writing your personal statement

Getting to know you

All applicants to Hills Road are asked to submit a personal statement with their application. It gives you a chance to share your interests, ambitions and motivations, and to explain in your own words why Hills Road feels like the right environment for you.

Applying to Hills Road

How is the personal statement used?

While offers are made according to our published entry requirements, the statement remains an important part of the application process, as it helps us understand more about you as a person.

If you are invited to a Guidance Meeting, the College will use this information to check that you are taking the right combinations of subjects that support any progression pathways, or to make sure you are keeping your options open. We will also look at your hobbies and interests to recommend other Enrichment and Extended Project Qualification opportunities that you might like to learn more about before you join the College.

Your statement will remain useful once you join the College, providing ongoing guidance throughout your time here.

Your personal statement serves as a starting point for your journey through sixth form, not just part of the application.

Tips and guidance

We recommend including the following information in your personal statement:

Academic focus

Which subjects you enjoy and why

Skills and experience

Examples from school, volunteering, responsibilities or work

Beyond the classroom

Interests, activities or hobbies that share more about you or show commitment and curiosity outside of schoolwork

Why are you applying to Hills Road?

What attracts you to the College and how studying here could support you with any future ambitions

What you might like to do after Hills Road

What would you like to do once you've finished your A levels? Do you have progression plans? It's equally important to tell us if you don't know what you want to do next so that we can help you!

Other helpful points to remember when writing a personal statement:

Be specific: Use real examples, not vague statements.

Be concise: Focus on what matters most to you.

Be authentic: Write in your own words and see this as a way to explain more about yourself - not 'selling' yourself!

Proofread: Spelling, grammar and tone can help to convey attention to detail.

Examples

Every student’s statement will be different, and that's a good thing - so that the College can get to know you as a person! However, below are some short excerpt examples, to show how you might structure yours.

Example 1: Applicant interested in studying Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics

I am keen to study A level Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics because I enjoy understanding how scientific ideas connect and apply to real life. […] During my studies of these subjects, I particularly enjoyed practical work, such as investigating enzyme activity, which developed my problem-solving and teamwork skills. Beyond lessons, I have volunteered as a mentor for younger pupils and play football regularly, both of which have helped me build resilience and communication. […] I am drawn to Hills Road for its excellent teaching and enrichment opportunities, and I hope to develop the skills needed to pursue medicine at university.

Example 2: Applicant interested in studying History, Geography, Geology and Politics

My strongest and preferred subjects are History, Geography and Politics because I enjoy exploring how ideas and events shape societies. […] During my studies so far of GCSE History, I particularly enjoyed researching the impact of the Cold War, which improved my ability to analyse evidence and form arguments. I also write for my school magazine and took part in a debate competition, experiences that strengthened my communication and critical thinking. […] I also really like the idea of studying Geology as the study of rock formations has greatly interested me at GCSE Geography […] I am applying to Hills Road because of its diverse curriculum and lovely campus with impressive facilities. […] My ambition is to work in public policy, where I can use research and analysis to make a positive difference.

Example 3: Applicant interested in studying Art, English Literature and Psychology

I am passionate about studying Art, English Literature and Psychology at A level. I enjoy Art and English Literature at GCSE and want to continue with them as they stimulate me intellectually and creatively. Psychology interests me greatly and I like the idea of exploring a new subject that will help me delve into the human mind. […] I enjoy developing my creativity and exploring how people express ideas through both visual and written work. […] At school, I led a group project producing an exhibition of photography, which built my organisation and teamwork skills. […] Outside school, I sing in a choir and practise digital illustration. I would value the opportunity to study at Hills Road because of the excellent facilities and the chance to develop both my artistic skills and my academic knowledge.

Example 4: Applicant not sure of subjects yet

Although I find it challenging determining which subjects I wish to narrow down to A Level, I really enjoy RS and Philosophy, and Computer Science and Physics at GCSE. I enjoy problem-solving and applying logic to new challenges and find that both respective pairs of these subjects allow me to do this in different ways. […] So far, I have particularly enjoyed programming projects at school, including designing a simple game in Python. Through this, I learned perseverance and attention to detail. Outside lessons, I enjoy chess and helping at my local youth club in the community. […] I am attracted to Hills Road for its strong A Level provision and enrichment opportunities, and I hope to go into an apprenticeship after my studies at A Level.