“Stick it to the Man!” has certainly been the motto of the past few months as our talented students brought School of Rock to life on stage. After months of dedication, rehearsals and hard work, the production culminated in a series of fantastic performances that truly showcased the commitment 

and talent of everyone involved. Linking closely to Gatsby Benchmark 6, this experience gave students a real insight into the world of performing arts and the many careers within the industry. From the audition process and rehearsals to choreography, direction, lighting, sound and stage management, students experienced first-hand what it takes to be part of a working theatre production. Much like a professional company, the cast and crew worked collaboratively under pressure, developing key employability skills such as teamwork, resilience, time management and confidence. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved; an unforgettable show and an invaluable experience that extends far beyond the stage.

Our annual Careers Networking Brunch continues to be a valued part of our careers programme, providing meaningful, real-world engagement for our students. Now firmly established, the event brings together a diverse range of external employers from a variety of industries, giving selected Year 10 students a unique opportunity to explore future pathways in an informal and supportive setting. During the brunch, students were equipped with a structured question sheet to guide meaningful conversations with each employer. These discussions encouraged students to learn more about the skills, qualifications, and experiences required for different roles, while also prompting them to reflect on their own interests and aspirations. A key focus of the event is to build confidence and develop essential communication skills. By stepping outside of their comfort zones and engaging with professionals they have not met before, students begin to develop the ability to speak confidently about themselves, an invaluable skill that will support them in future interviews and career opportunities.

Preparations are now underway for our Year 10 Careers Week in July. As part of this, students have recently completed their ‘My Future’ Post-16 Questionnaire, which helps to identify the areas where they need further support and guidance, whether that be post-16 and post-18 pathways, specific sectors and industries, or personal development. This information is then used to shape our programme of workshops and presentations, as well as to create bespoke timetables tailored to each student. A key element of the week is three days of Work Experience, which are fully embedded within the programme. Students are very much looking forward to this opportunity as we approach the placement deadline on Friday 17 April 2026.

Our Year 10 students also had the opportunity to attend the Sixth Form Subject Fair, where they explored the wide range of courses available at the Consortium Sixth Form College. The event allowed students to speak directly with subject staff and current sixth form students, gaining an insight into the different pathways available to them, on their doorstep, after Year 11. It was a great opportunity to ask questions, compare options, and begin thinking more carefully about their post-16 choices. Alongside this, Year 9 students attended the KS4 Options Fair, helping them to make informed decisions about their subject choices as they move into Key Stage 4. In the summer term, we will be joined by a range of post-16 training providers, who will showcase the other opportunities available to students beyond our Sixth Form.

During National Careers Week (NCW), we shone a spotlight on the incredible breadth of opportunities available within the NHS; an organisation offering over 350 different careers! Through tutor-led activities, students were encouraged to look beyond the more familiar roles of doctors and nurses and explore the wide variety of pathways available, including careers in research, digital technology, mental health, administration and allied health professions. These sessions sparked curiosity and helped to challenge common misconceptions, giving students a deeper understanding of the many routes into the NHS and the diverse skills and qualifications required. By showcasing the scale and variety of careers on offer, we hope to inspire students to think more broadly about their future and consider the NHS as a dynamic and exciting career pathway.

At the end of last half-term, we were pleased to welcome back Prison Me No Way for another impactful day with our Year 9 students. This long-standing partnership continues to be a highlight of our careers and personal development programme, offering students a powerful insight into the real-life consequences of the choices they make. Throughout the day, students took part in a range of interactive workshops delivered by professionals from services including the Prison Service, Police, St John Ambulance and the Youth Justice Service. These sessions not only explored important topics around personal safety and decision-making but also gave students the opportunity to engage directly with employers and learn more about the variety of roles within the criminal justice and emergency services sectors. The event encourages students to reflect on how their actions can impact both their own futures and the lives of others, while also opening their eyes to potential career and volunteering pathways. As always, the feedback from both students and staff has been extremely positive, reinforcing the value of this meaningful and memorable experience.

And finally, we have now received our up-to-date destination data for our 2025 school-leavers, please see below.  

Destination	2022	2023	2024	2025
FE College	32.4%	37.6%	37%	36.2%
School Sixth Form	38.7%	30.4%	34%	30.6%
Other Sixth Form College	19.7%	20.5%	13%	21.1%
Apprenticeship / Traineeship / Employment - Training	7.5%	9.9%	11%	10.3%
Other	1.7%	1.6%	4.5%	1.3%

Upcoming Careers Events:  

• Year 8 Ambition Day – Wednesday 22 April 2026

• Year 9 Enterprise Day – Friday 22 May 2026

• Sixth Form Induction – 23 & 24 June 2026

• Year 10 Careers Week – w/c 29 June 2026 (plus 6/7 July)

• Year 10 Work Experience – Wednesday 1 to Friday 3 July 2026

• Year 12 Work Experience – w/c 13 July 2026

Miss Lawes

Careers Leader