Careers and Next Steps

Unifrog is a careers platform which helps students to explore careers, subjects, universities, apprenticeships and more.  

Students have access to Unifrog from the start of Year 7 and are encouraged to use it on a weekly basis. Through the platform, they complete quizzes designed to build a strong foundation of career knowledge and self-understanding. 

These insights help students to explore a wide range of potential careers and begin identifying the pathways and next steps that align with their interests and strengths.

GCSE courses and subject choices are introduced in Year 9, with careful guidance to ensure that each student selects options that will support and enhance their future pathways. 

Students and parents are provided with a wide range of resources to support this process. This includes information on the skills and qualifications required for different careers, helping them to make informed decisions and plan confidently for their next steps and future aspirations

In Year 10, we begin preparing students for their post-GCSE pathways. A key part of this is our annual Future Opportunities Fair, where a wide range of schools, colleges, apprenticeship providers, and businesses come together to showcase the opportunities available to our students. 

This event allows students to explore different routes, ask questions, and gain valuable insight into the options that will shape their next steps. As a result, students feel more confident, informed, and motivated, with a clearer understanding of the pathways available and the steps they need to take to achieve their future goals. 

All students are offered a one-to-one careers guidance meeting with our Head of Careers and Pathways in Year 10. These personalised sessions support students in making important decisions about their next steps and future career pathways. 

Students then finalise their post-16 choices during the autumn term and the first half of the spring term in Year 11, ensuring they are well-informed, confident, and prepared for the transition ahead.

All Year 10 students take part in a week of work experience during the summer term. Students are supported in finding their own placements, encouraging independence and initiative. 

This experience provides a valuable opportunity for students to develop key employability skills, gain first-hand insight into the workplace, and explore potential career interests. It also helps them to build confidence, understand employer expectations, and reflect on their future aspirations. 

In the past, students have secured placements across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, engineering, education, retail, and creative industries. 

We run a wide range of careers events throughout the academic year to inspire and inform our students. 

One of our most popular initiatives is Careers and Cake, a monthly event where employers visit the school to share their insights and experiences from their chosen careers—along with some cake to create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. 

In September, we host our Future Opportunities Fair, which is open to all year groups and provides students with the chance to explore a variety of pathways and speak directly with providers. 

In June, our annual Careers Day offers a rich programme of activities, including mock interviews, interactive workshops, and keynote speakers. These experiences help students to build confidence, develop employability skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the world of work. 

There are always other events running over the year for Careers Education.