At Woodbury School, we are dedicated to guiding our students towards exciting futures, beginning with Skills Builder in the Primary classes. This develops your skills as you continue your journey through the school. In Year 9 we will work with you to create a 14+ Pathway with the aid of our Independent Careers Advisor. This programme is designed to help you make important choices about your education and career.

The school and Independent Careers Advisor will work closely with you to uncover your strengths and interests, helping you explore different career options that could suit you. You will also learn how to write an engaging CV, a vital skill that will help you present yourself well to future employers as well as completing online application forms.

We understand the importance of connecting what you learn in school to the real world. That’s why we’ll support you in finding courses and job opportunities in the Local Labour Market, as well as having guest speakers, taster days and trips out to ensure that you are well-prepared for what lies ahead. You will have the chance to gain work experience, giving you a taste of various professions.

Lastly, we strive to link your subjects with potential careers, so you can see how your learning can lead to fulfilling opportunities. We’re here to inspire you as you carve out your path to success.

At Woodbury School, we recognise the pivotal role that work experience plays in a student’s educational journey.

To this end, we have partnered with a specialised independent company, Work 'N' Learn, to provide a bespoke programme tailored to individual interests and career aspirations. This initiative ensures that students engage meaningfully with the world of work, exploring a wide range of industries that reflect their future ambitions.

Students can choose between one-day placements or more extensive block placements, allowing for flexibility based on their specific needs and availability. Each experience is quality assured, guaranteeing a standard of excellence that aligns with our educational values. Through this collaboration, we aspire to cultivate essential skills and insights that will significantly enhance our students' readiness for the challenges of the professional landscape beyond their school years. In contemplating their future, students are granted the opportunity to make informed decisions that may shape their careers.

Labour Market Information (LMI) is pivotal in guiding individuals, particularly students, towards informed career choices. An Independent Careers Advisor plays a crucial role in interpreting LMI, offering tailored advice that addresses the specific needs of each student. Local colleges provide vocational courses that align with regional employment demands, ensuring individuals acquire relevant qualifications. 

In addition to traditional routes, alternative providers offer diverse educational pathways that cater to a variety of learning preferences and career ambitions. Apprenticeships are available as an option, blending practical experience with academic learning, thereby enhancing employability. Local employers actively seek skilled workers, presenting opportunities for students to engage in work placements and internships that provide invaluable real-world experience.  

National employers are also an employment option for our pupils. A comprehensive understanding of both local and national labour markets equips students with the insights necessary to navigate their futures wisely and effectively. 

In our commitment to providing a comprehensive careers programme, we undertake regular evaluation of our pupils' success. We adhere to the Gatsby Benchmarks, utilising them to quality assure our careers provision, ensuring it meets the highest standards. Feedback from both pupils through our student council and parents' viewpoints is essential; it offers invaluable insights into the effectiveness of our initiatives and the overall satisfaction with our careers guidance.

Tracking pupil progress throughout their educational journey enables us to identify areas for improvement and tailor our support accordingly. Our programme is regularly adapted to cater to the individual needs of our students, recognising the diverse aspirations and circumstances that shape their futures. In doing so, we strive to equip each pupil with the tools necessary for success in an increasingly complex world.

Our commitment to our pupils extends beyond school. To measure their success, we conduct regular check-ins after they leave, allowing us to monitor their progress and emotional well-being. This ongoing connection serves as a reminder of our dedication to nurturing their long-term aspirations and supporting them through the next steps in their journey. This also allows us to reflect on the outcomes our pupils achieve post-graduation and helps informs the continual refinement of our programme.