Think CVs are only for jobseekers? Not quite. A well-crafted sixth form student CV gives admissions tutors a quick overview of your accomplishments, activities, interests, and any work experience. It can also help you feel confident during interviews and provide helpful context to those writing your reference letters.
If you’re unsure how to begin, these tips will help you shape a student CV that represents who you are and what you’ve achieved so far.
What to Include on a CV for University Applications
There’s no single formula for a CV, but most strong sixth form student CV examples share a few key sections. Customise yours to reflect your personal strengths.
- Contact details (name, address, phone number, email)
- School name, expected A-level completion year, grades (predicted or actual), and any standardised test scores
- Awards, honours, or published work
- Notable academic programmes outside of regular studies (summer schools, university taster courses, etc.)
- Extracurricular involvement
- Volunteering experience
- Employment history
- Hobbies or passions
- Special skills (like coding or fluency in another language)
Each section offers an opportunity to show what you care about and how you spend your time. Choose the ones that reflect your unique background.
When and Where to Use a School Leaver CV
You might be wondering if you should submit your CV along with your university application. Some universities or scholarship bodies specifically request a CV, while others don’t. Always follow each application’s instructions. If allowed, bring your CV to interviews and share it with advisers or teachers who are supporting your application process.
In the academic world, showing initiative and effort in preparing a professional-looking CV is often appreciated. Students who need help articulating their accomplishments clearly can benefit from using an online essay writer service to refine their self-presentation. Whether it’s your personal statement or your CV, having clear and well-structured documents can make a big difference.
Tips for Writing a Student CV
- Stay concise.
Stick to a one-page format unless you have more extensive experience. Rather than listing everything, focus on a few items that best represent you. - Show commitment.
Depth matters more than quantity. Admissions tutors are more impressed by long-term dedication than by a list of short-lived activities. If you had a part-time job that took up time after school, highlight your responsibilities and the skills you developed through that work. - Be specific.
Don’t just say you were a member of a club—describe what you did. For example:
- Role and title
- Years involved and hours per week
- Notable achievements (e.g. “Launched a weekly science podcast to engage students in current research topics”)
- Leadership roles
- Distinctive contributions
- Role and title
- Include what’s not in your personal statement.
Your CV should offer new insight. If you didn’t get to talk about your love for digital art in your UCAS statement, this is the place to highlight it. - Prioritise design and structure.
Use section headers, bullet points, and consistent formatting to make your CV easy to read. Organise it in a way that feels natural—whether that’s by relevance, activity type, or time spent. And be sure to proofread it carefully for spelling and grammar errors. - Keep it honest.
Admissions offices cross-check information. It’s important to be truthful about your involvement and achievements. For example, don’t list 25 hours a week for the school council if it was more like 5.
Examples and Templates
If you’re still unsure how to structure your document, there are plenty of templates online. Whether you’re creating a sample CV for sixth form student applications or crafting one for a weekend job, keep it genuine and relevant. A CV for school leavers with no paid experience might focus on volunteering, leadership roles in clubs, or personal projects that demonstrate initiative.
Looking at a sample CV for university applicants can also offer ideas on layout and language. Even if you’re early in your academic journey, a clean and organised student CV can leave a strong impression.
Final Thoughts
Creating a strong sixth form student CV doesn’t require a long list of achievements—it’s about presenting your experiences in a thoughtful, organised way. Whether you’re applying to a university, scholarship programme, or simply preparing for interviews, your CV offers a quick snapshot of who you are and what you value. Take the time to tailor it to your goals, be clear and honest, and let your personality come through. With careful attention to detail, your CV can become a powerful part of your university application toolkit.
