Future Pathways
At the British School of Tenerife, we help students understand their strengths and interests, explore the opportunities available to them, and make informed decisions about their future.
This process begins before students choose their IGCSE subjects and continues throughout Secondary and Sixth Form, connecting academic choices with possible university courses, careers and other pathways beyond BST.
Future pathways guidance begins towards the end of Year 9, when students start considering their IGCSE choices for Year 10.
Teachers work with students and their families to discuss their strengths, interests, academic progress and aspirations. Students do not need to know exactly what they want to pursue at this stage: our aim is to help them choose a balanced programme while keeping appropriate future options open.
During Year 11, students begin deciding which subjects to study at A-Level.
Our annual Year 11 Futures Event, held in February, gives students and families the opportunity to explore the A-Level subjects available at BST and understand how different choices can lead towards particular university courses and careers.
Students also receive individual guidance to help them choose subjects that match their academic strengths and longer-term ambitions.
Students in Years 11, 12 and 13 have the opportunity to take part in a one-week work experience placement in a professional environment.
We encourage students to find placements that reflect their interests, strengths and possible career aspirations, while the school also helps identify suitable opportunities when needed.
Work experience allows students to develop practical skills and experience a potential career first-hand. For some, it has directly influenced their future choices: in recent years, BST students have gone on to pursue university courses and careers related to their placements, including software engineering, fashion and dentistry.
From Year 10 onwards, students have access to BridgeU, an online university and careers platform designed for international schools.
Students can explore career possibilities, research universities and courses around the world, identify options that match their interests and academic profile, and support their university applications.
BridgeU complements the individual guidance provided by our teachers and Sixth Form team, helping students move from exploring possibilities to identifying the pathways that are right for them.
BST hosts an annual University Fair in collaboration with SRT, bringing representatives from universities in Spain and around the world directly to Tenerife.
Students in Years 10 to 13 can speak directly with university representatives, explore courses and admissions requirements, and discover new institutions and destinations. Parents are also warmly invited to attend.
Previous BST students have made connections through the fair that subsequently led to university offers and places.
Our next University Fair will take place on 23 October 2026 at the Los Realejos Sports Pavilion, with more than 20 national and international universities expected to attend.
BST students apply to universities in Spain, the United Kingdom and countries around the world. As students progress through Sixth Form, we provide individual guidance appropriate to their chosen destinations and support them through the application process.
For students considering Spain, we also provide guidance on the recognition of their British qualifications and the requirements for access to Spanish universities.
You can read more about the steps required for Spanish convalidation here.
There is no single pathway beyond BST. Our students pursue a wide range of subjects and careers and continue their education at universities in Spain and around the world.
From the first conversations about IGCSE choices in Year 9 to university applications in Sixth Form, we work with students and their families to help each student find the pathway that is right for them and move confidently towards the next stage of their education.
