School link

UHI work in partnership with Thurso High School to offer a range of school link courses for Senior Phase pupils, from S4 to S6, designed to widen the range of options available and to offer qualifications that fit within school timetables and support progression into further study apprenticeships and employment. 

Courses available cover a diverse range of interests and industries including Construction and Engineering, Computing Studies, Health and Social Care, Creative Industries, Hospitality and Rural Studies.

All S3 pupils visit UHI's North West Hebrides campus ahead of the options process to gain an insight into the courses available, to see the learning environment and to meet the staff delivering link courses. This annual excursion allows pupils to ask any questions they may have about the application process, about delivery methods for various courses, about assessment procedures for different areas of study and about qualifications they may gain. 

Additionally, UHI staff frequently offer information sessions within school for individual students or groups. 

How it works

How to apply for a school link course:

UHI course options are included in Thurso High School's choices process for Senior Phase pupils. After taking some time to discuss options with school Guidance staff and parents/ carers, pupils opting to study a school link course should indicate their choice in their school option form. Senior Phase courses must also be applied for online through the UHI website. 

To view the full range of courses Senior Phase pupils may be able to study, pupils and parents/ carers can visit the UHI School Link webpage at https://www.nwh.uhi.ac.uk/en/schools/find-your-school/ and can click on the Thurso High School logo. 

Once into the Thurso High School tile, pupils should select their course and use the 'Apply now' link to take them to the application form.

Advice on information to include in school link applications will be provided by Guidance staff within school. Additionally, tips for the application process can be found on the UHI website using the following link: https://www.nwh.uhi.ac.uk/en/schools/how-to-apply/

Guidance staff will provide a reference to support pupil applications. 

What happens after a school link application is submitted?

After applications are submitted, UHI staff will take some time to consider all applicants. Once decisions have been made regarding places, pupils who have applied will receive an email from the UHI admissions team to let them know whether they have been successful in gaining a place. Pupils should ensure they check their emails, including junk mail folders, to avoid missing any important information. 

Where pupils have applied for more than one course, they may receive an email for each course applied for and will need to confirm their acceptance for the course they are opting to study. 

How do UHI school link courses fit with school timetables?

UHI school link courses are delivered in different ways, depending on the subject area. Whilst some courses involve face to face lessons, others are delivered virtually or use a blend of both.

Face-to-face (on UHI's North West Hebrides campus):

Pupils attend classes in person on Friday mornings from 9.45am until 2.15pm. Pupils walk to the UHI campus following registration and period one in school. Courses delivered on the UHI campus typically include Hair and Beauty, Hospitality/ Professional Cookery, Construction and Engineering, Rural Studies, Creative Industries and Early Education and Childcare. 

Online Virtual Classroom:

Where courses are delivered virtually, lessons are live, online classes led by a college lecturer. Pupils will access learning materials, activities and assessments through Brightspace or Google Classroom which pupils can access through their Chromebook device allocated through Thurso High School. Classes are timetabled throughout the week rather than held on Friday mornings as a block of time. Subjects typically delivered online include Computing Studies, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Psychology courses. 

Blended: on campus and online:

Where courses are blended, pupils may attend some sessions at UHI's North, West, Hebrides campus while accessing the rest of their learning through Brightspace or Google Classroom. This blended approach can be the delivery method of Foundation Apprenticeship courses. 

Additional queries about UHI school link courses:

Any additional queries about school link courses can be supported by our Guidance Team or Depute Head Teacher Mrs Miller. Furthermore, commonly asked queries can be found at UHI's website using the following link: https://www.nwh.uhi.ac.uk/en/schools/frequently-asked-questions/