For many students, it’s the first time they’ve been able to explore such a wide range of pathways in one place, talking to experts, discovering new ideas, and leaving inspired, curious, and full of questions.
This year, we introduced new interactive experiences like our Careers Couch, where students heard directly from industry voices. At our Manchester event, Gary Neville joined us to speak about the values that defined his career – character, resilience, and a relentless work ethic – and how these qualities are exactly what employers are prioritising beyond academic attainment.
But what happens after they leave the event is just as important as the experience itself. With the right follow‑up, a UCAS Discovery event becomes far more than a memorable day out – it becomes a meaningful step in each student’s decision‑making journey. In fact, 77% of students who attend a Discovery event go on to apply to higher education, showing just how powerful that ongoing engagement can be.
Here are simple, manageable actions you can take to keep the momentum going and turn that post-event curiosity into clear progression.
1. Turn the trip into progression evidence
Discovery gives students a rich, first-hand experience of exploring pathways, providers, and careers. Capture this while it’s fresh:
- Ask students to record three things they learned and one action they want to take next.
- Add their reflections to careers records or platforms you’re already using.
- Use their notes as evidence for Gatsby Benchmarks and Ofsted.
A few minutes of structured reflection now saves time later and shows clear, trackable progression for every student.
2. Strengthen your personal guidance conversations
A Discovery visit gives you valuable insight into what’s inspired your students and where they may still feel unsure.
Use this as a starting point in one-to-one guidance:
- Who did you speak to?
- What surprised you?
- What do you want to explore next?
Grounding guidance in real experiences helps students move from broad exploration to more focused, confident decisions.
3. Reinforce careers learning beyond the event
The conversations students had at Discovery shouldn’t end in the exhibition hall. Help them take the next step, by encouraging them to:
- book in-person or virtual open days at the universities or colleges they engaged with
- try subject tasters or virtual work experience to test whether a course or career feels right
- explore employer content, skills quizzes, or other resources they showed interest in
These small steps build confidence and deepen understanding over time.
4. Show students that the journey continues
Many students feel pressure to have everything figured out straightaway. Reassure them that:
- attending Discovery was already a big step forward
- it’s normal not to have all the answers yet
- what matters is keeping the momentum going – one small step at a time
Point them back to the UCAS Hub, where they can explore courses, start a CV, compare options, and gather the practical information they need at their own pace.
5. Encourage curiosity – their most important tool
Students thrive when they’re supported to stay curious. Invite them to:
- ask more questions
- challenge assumptions
- revisit ideas
- explore new routes
The more curious they are, the more confidently they’ll navigate their next steps.
Final thought
UCAS Discovery is just the beginning. With timely follow-up and simple, structured actions, you can turn the excitement of the event into meaningful progress, helping every student build towards informed, confident choices about their future.
If you haven’t attended one of our UCAS Discovery tour events – take a look and find one near you.
