Academic

The team work to plan and deliver a Careers programme, which includes advice and guidance for students, parents and staff as well as employer engagement and support.

The School employs CXK Ltd to deliver high-quality, personalised careers guidance to all students. Chris Targett, Emma MacKenzie and Antonia Robinson from CXK, independent and impartial Career Development Professionals, work with students from all years, but focus on Years 10, 11 & 12 to ensure that students can make informed choices for the next steps of their education and development. All students receive at least one session with a Careers advisor by the end of Year 11, and at least one more in Sixth Form. We also receive support from the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) and have an Enterprise Co-ordinator. Any student can request a Careers guidance session, and there is a well-stocked Careers Library section located within the main Library.

The government has mandatory guidance for schools which are called The 8 Gatsby benchmarks of Good Career Guidance:

1. A stable careers programme
2. Learning from career and labour market information
3. Addressing the needs of each pupil
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
5. Encounters with employers and employees
6. Experiences of workplaces
7. Encounters with further and higher education
8. Personal guidance

Further information can be found here.

We aim to ensure that:

• all students are aware of the wide range of opportunities open to them, gain insight from employers about different careers and the skills valued by employers, and benefit from direct experiences of the workplace;
• all students receive a high-quality programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance delivered by appropriately trained and experienced professionals;
• all students have access to personalised support that reflects their individual needs and circumstances, including opportunities for face-to-face guidance;
• all students are provided with the information and resources needed to understand career pathways and employment opportunities, and to recognise how their knowledge, skills and interests can support informed career decisions.

Each term, we utilise ‘Compass +’ to measure our progress towards achieving the Gatsby Benchmarks. Our review of the programme involves surveys completed by all stakeholders.

If you have any queries or would like to more about our Careers Programme, please contact either Mr King or Miss Galer.

Our Careers Programme is continually evolving to provide pupils with relevant information and inspiration. The document below outlines the current intentions for 2025/2026; however, some elements of the programme may be subject to change.

Careers education is embedded across the curriculum, with lessons linking learning to future pathways and employment opportunities in line with Gatsby Benchmark 4.

PSHEE and Curriculum Document

Labour Market Information (LMI) provides insight into different job roles and career opportunities, showing what is currently available and what may be in demand in the future. It can be accessed from a wide range of sources, including Government-funded websites such as the Labour market overview, as well as job advertisements in local newspapers and online listings. Informal sources, such as conversations with friends and family, can also offer useful clues about who may be recruiting.

Each of these sources contributes to our understanding of the labour market; however, the key skill is turning this information into meaningful intelligence. To do this, it is important to consider questions such as: How was the information collected? When was it gathered? Who produced it, and for what purpose? These factors influence whether the data is reliable, potentially biased, or relevant to your career choices.

For example, data collected five years ago is likely to be less reliable than information gathered recently. By contrast, data collected within the last week is generally more up to date and therefore more useful when making decisions about careers.

Each week, all students receive information on the Career of the Week, with links to MyPath Unlimited, and Career Pilot. For further details on LMI, visit Labour Market Information – CXK.

Buzz Quiz: Explore different roles and search by subject areas to find out where your choices could take you. Complete the personality quiz called “The Buzz Quiz” to see if your personality is a good fit with different occupations. This is useful for some students but not the only way to decide on your future choices.

16 Personalities: Take this personality quiz to see how your character may link to your future career aspirations. It’s suitable for some pupils but not all.

Planit: A to Z information about different Careers

Kent Choices: Information on all Post 16 options and routes. Application and support platform for Post-16 studying. We will provide all year 11 students with a password and usernames before they complete year 10 and show you how to log on the first time.

Discover Uni: Thinking about university? Take a look at some information

Not Going to Uni: This site can help school leavers with searching different opportunities available to them.

Apprenticeships: For apprenticeship vacancies you can research local, or further afield, sign up to create an account to make applications.

• Students are introduced to careers education through PSHE lessons, exploring careers, skills, strengths and aspirations.
• Students begin to understand how different skills, interests and qualities relate to a variety of career pathways.
• Subject teachers highlight links between curriculum areas and future careers, helping students see the relevance of their learning.
• During Careers Week, students engage with a range of employers and professionals to learn about different industries and occupations.
• Students are introduced to post-16 options, including both academic and technical pathways.
• Parents and carers can access careers information and guidance through meetings with the Careers Leader and an independent Careers Adviser.

Employability Skills

These are many skills that future employers will be looking for. We concentrate on 6:

• Aiming High
• Communicating (speaking and listening)
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Staying positive
• Creativity

• Careers education continues to be embedded across the curriculum, with links made between subjects and future career opportunities.
• Students learn more about post-16 and post-18 pathways, including apprenticeships, further education and higher education.
• During the GCSE options process:
  • Subject leaders explain course content and expectations for optional subjects.
  • The Careers Leader offers guidance on subject combinations that align with students’ interests and career aspirations.
  • Students are introduced to the Compass+ platform and are encouraged to use it to record, track and reflect on their careers learning and experiences.
  • Parents and carers can access careers information and guidance through meetings with the Careers Leader and an independent Careers Adviser during our Year 9 Parents Day.

Thinking about what subjects to take in your options?

A video from our Careers Advisor Mr Targett that may help – concentrating on different subjects.

• Through PSHE lessons, students develop key employability skills, including CV writing and preparation for the workplace.
• Students learn about the purpose and value of work experience in supporting future career and education choices.
• Opportunities are provided to meet representatives from:
  • Further Education (FE) colleges
  • Higher Education (HE) institutions
  • The Armed Forces
• During Careers Week, students engage with at least one employer to gain insight into the world of work and career pathways.
• Students are introduced to the National Careers Service platform and encouraged to use it to research careers, qualifications and progression routes independently.
• Parents and carers can access careers information and guidance through meetings with the Careers Leader and an independent Careers Adviser during Year 10 Parents Day

• Careers education focuses on ensuring students understand all available post-16 pathways and are prepared to make informed decisions about their next steps.
• Students are supported to develop both a preferred progression route and alternative back-up plans before completing their GCSEs.
• All students receive at least one personalised careers guidance interview with an independent and impartial Careers Adviser.
• Additional guidance and support are available on request, with parents and carers kept informed and involved throughout the process.
• Students with SEND receive tailored careers advice and support where appropriate.
• Information and guidance are provided on a range of post-16 opportunities, including:
  • Sixth Form and Further Education options
  • Apprenticeships
  • Entry to the Army Foundation College (Harrogate)
• Students have opportunities to meet:
  • Armed Forces Careers Advisers
  • Employers
  • Further Education and Higher Education representatives
  • Industry professionals during Careers Week
• On GCSE Results Day, senior staff are available to support students and parents in confirming post-16 destinations and making final progression decisions.
• Parents and carers can access careers information and guidance through meetings with the Careers Leader and an independent Careers Adviser during our Year 11 Parents Day.

Year 12:

• Through Pathways lessons, students are introduced to the UCAS application process and begin planning their post-18 progression routes.
• Students research and explore a range of options, including university, apprenticeships and employment.
• All students attend the UCAS University Fair and, where appropriate, the National Apprenticeship Fair.
• Students participate in careers seminars and individual guidance meetings delivered by CXK Ltd.
• Opportunities are provided to:
  • Attend university open days
  • Secure career-related work experience
  • Explore pathways linked to their interests and aspirations
• Students are encouraged to develop their subject knowledge through wider reading and independent study.
• Digital platforms, including Springpod, FutureLearn and other MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), are used to support independent research into higher education, careers and progression opportunities.
• Students are encouraged to make well-informed decisions about their post-18 destinations through extensive research and guidance.
• Parents and carers can access careers information and guidance through meetings with the Careers Leader and an independent Careers Adviser during the Year 12 Parents Day.

Year 13:

• Students applying to Higher Education receive full support throughout the UCAS application process, led by the Head of Sixth Form, Sixth Form Learning Mentor, Careers Leader and personal tutors.
• Additional guidance is provided for specialist and competitive applications, including:
  • Oxbridge applications
  • Admissions tests such as LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) and UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) where relevant
• Students are supported with applications to the Armed Forces.
• Guidance is provided for students considering a gap year, including help in identifying meaningful and relevant experiences.
• Support is available for higher and degree apprenticeship applications through:
  • Gov.uk
  • Amazing Apprenticeships
  • Apprentago
• Direct employer applications:
  • All students receive preparation and guidance on:
    • Interview skills and techniques
    • Financial literacy and budgeting for post-18 life
    • Transition to higher education, apprenticeships or employment
• Parents and carers can access careers information and guidance through meetings with the Careers Leader and an independent Careers Adviser during the Year 13 Parents Day

• Each February, the School runs a dedicated Careers Week across all year groups.
• Lessons, displays and digital content place a stronger focus on careers education.
• Visiting speakers include employers, training providers, FE/HE representatives, Armed Forces personnel and alumni.
• All students meet at least one external speaker.
• To take part in the 2026 Careers Week, contact Stephen King.

As university tuition fees continue to rise, more young people are exploring alternatives to higher education, with many considering apprenticeships as a way to start their careers. But are they a realistic alternative?

Myth: Apprenticeships are only for students who do not achieve the grades needed for university.

Reality: Apprenticeships are respected, practical qualifications that allow individuals to earn a wage while gaining experience and training across a wide range of industries. Higher apprenticeships can be equivalent to a Foundation Degree and may even progress to a full Honours Degree.

Myth: Apprenticeships are only available in manual or trade-based roles.

Reality: While there are many apprenticeships in sectors such as construction, engineering and IT that are highly practical, there are also opportunities in professional fields including law, fashion, and media.

Apprenticeship levels:

• Intermediate – equivalent to 5 GCSEs
• Advanced – equivalent to 2 A Levels
• Higher – equivalent to NVQ Level 4 and above, with some pathways leading to a full degree funded by the employer

All apprenticeships last a minimum of 12 months.

The National Apprenticeship Service advertises upcoming vacancies from the country’s biggest and best apprenticeship employers.

Not all apprenticeships are displayed on all sites, others to explore include:

UCAS

Apprenticeships.co.uk

Apprentago

Total Jobs

GetMyFirstJob

CXK Advice

Interviews can feel challenging for everyone, whether it is your first time or you have attended many before. It is important to have opportunities to practise beforehand so you feel more confident, prepared, and able to respond to a range of questions.

An interview is a two-way process. It is your opportunity to present yourself positively and explain why you are a strong candidate for a role, course or place. At the same time, it allows the employer, school, college or university to decide whether you are a good fit for their organisation.

Below are common interview questions with guidance on how to approach them. It is helpful to prepare and practise your answers in advance.

• What are your interests outside of school? Be ready to speak briefly and confidently about hobbies or activities outside of lessons. This helps show you are a well-rounded individual.
• What are your strengths? Think about the qualities employers or institutions value (e.g. teamwork, reliability, communication) and give examples that show these in action.
• What are your weaknesses? Be honest but positive. You could mention a minor weakness that does not affect your ability to succeed, or explain how you are working to improve it (e.g. “sometimes a perfectionist” or “over-enthusiastic”).
• Can you give an example of teamwork? Prepare an example of a group task. Explain the goal, your role, and how you contributed to the team’s success.
• What achievement are you most proud of? Choose an accomplishment you feel proud of, whether in or outside school, and explain why it mattered to you.
• Do you hold any positions of responsibility? Be prepared to talk about any leadership roles or responsibilities you have had at school or elsewhere.
• Why did you choose your current subjects? Make sure you can clearly explain your subject choices and your reasons for selecting them.
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? Show ambition and motivation. Focus on gaining skills, experience, and qualifications, and progressing in your chosen pathway.
• Although preparation is important, it is also worth remembering that interviews can feel very different in practice. Speaking to someone unfamiliar in a formal setting can be challenging, so staying calm, listening carefully, and thinking before answering are key.

Students in Years 12 & 13 receive full, comprehensive and personalized support from the 6th Form team. However, there are plenty of resources here to help you:

Open Days

Targetjobs – advice for school leavers

University Course Comparison Tool

Where could your degree lead you?

Student Finance

The Student Room

Whatuni

The Complete University Guide

Studential

Push

Finance for education or training at further and higher education can be a concern, the following links can assist you:

Student Finance

Student finance login

6.2% interest on Plan 2 student loans: should you pay them off? – MSE

Dance and Drama Awards: funding for students

Charity Supporting International Students in the UK | UKCISA

University budgeting tips | MoneyHelper

CXK & Partners Launch SEND Provision Map for Kent & Medway

All Year 11 and Year 12 students meet with our independent careers advisers, who provide impartial guidance. These sessions take place before application deadlines. Students and parents/carers may also request an appointment directly.

A range of helpful resources is also available on our website to support conversations with your child about career aspirations. Each Careers page includes useful links designed to help student begin exploring potential future pathways.

It may be useful to explore sites such as National Careers Service or Career Box together with your child. You can also access the CXK Resource Hub.

Our Careers Team is readily available to support students, parents/carers, and employers. Please email us with any questions about career pathways to Mr King or Miss Galer.

We also welcome employers who can support our Careers Programme. In line with our Provider Access Statement, we are keen to hear from organisations and guest speakers. If you would like to deliver a “Spotlight on Careers” talk or participate in our Careers Fair, please get in touch with the team.

Our CEIAG document can be accessed here, and our Provider Access Statement is available here. This meets our statutory duties under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997 (the ‘Baker Clause’).

In 2024/25, we have hosted regular visitors to the school for assemblies and classroom sessions, including alumni. We aim to ensure pupils are exposed to a wide variety of career journeys, both traditional and non-traditional.

Additional Information for Parents can be found here.