As pupils across the UK are applying to university, a leading independent accountancy firm is urging students, parents, and careers advisors to rethink what success looks like after results day.
With applications to university accounting courses falling and tuition fees rising, Henderson Loggie is promoting a compelling alternative: school leavers can start training to become chartered accountants straight from the classroom, learning while they learn, building skills that won’t be replaced by AI such as communication, critical thinking and business insight, without the burden of university debt.
“School leavers are fundamental to our talent pipeline,” said Fiona Doctor, People Partner at Henderson Loggie. “By investing in their growth from the outset, we are not only helping individuals achieve their potential – we are also building a stronger local economy and leaving a lasting legacy in the communities we support.”
Diana Penny, audit partner at Henderson Loggie said: “We value everyone’s academic achievements, but university isn’t the only way to a respected, future-proof career. We train school leavers from day one, giving them real experience, professional qualifications, and a fast track to becoming Chartered Accountants.’
“Technology has transformed the role of accountants. The fundamentals like ethics, rigour, and financial principles remain essential, but the job itself has changed dramatically. Gone are the days of paper files and dusty ledgers. Our teams use automation, AI, and advanced analytics to spot patterns, assess risk, and give clients strategic insights.”
While university courses work to catch up with technological change, Henderson Loggie is calling for new recruits to train with the firm to become tech-literate professionals who can use data tools, understand cybersecurity risks, and think critically about AI.
But even in a digital world, human skills still matter, says Diana: “The best auditors are great communicators. They can explain complex findings clearly, they know how to work with people, and they can adapt quickly especially in remote or hybrid environments. Those communication skills are just as vital as the technical ones.’
“Forget the myth that you need a degree to get ahead. You don’t have to go to university to launch a rewarding, high-skill career. I encourage parents, pupils and school careers staff to explore this direct route into the profession. We’re hiring school leavers who are ready to make a real impact.”
To find out more about school-leaver opportunities with Henderson Loggie visit https://hlca.co.uk/direct-entry-programme/