Choosing what comes after Sixth Form is an important and exciting step. At Bridgewater, our role is to ensure that every student has the individual guidance, experiences and practical support they need to make that decision with confidence.

Our continuous Careers Programme forms an integral part of the Sixth Form experience, combining personalised guidance with opportunities to explore university, apprenticeships, further training and employment. Whether a student is aiming for a competitive university course, considering a degree or higher apprenticeship, exploring a particular profession or still deciding where their strengths and interests might take them, we support them in identifying and preparing for the pathway that is right for them.

Careers education is embedded within our Sixth Form tutorial and enrichment programme and shaped around the eight Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance. Students benefit from individual careers guidance alongside encounters with universities, employers, alumni, training and apprenticeship providers, helping them develop both their ambitions and their understanding of the opportunities available.

A personalised careers journey

Central to our approach is the Bridgewater Careers Passport, a personal record of skills, experiences, interests and aspirations which develops throughout a student’s time at Bridgewater.

For students who have progressed through our Senior School, their Passport provides a valuable record on which to build as they enter Sixth Form. Those joining us in Year 12 begin their own personalised record, ensuring that every Sixth Form student benefits from the same reflective and forward-looking approach.

The Careers Passport brings together:

• Strengths and aspirations – Students reflect upon their interests, strengths and aptitudes and consider how these might shape their future study and career choices.
• Skills and experience – Academic study, work experience, enrichment, volunteering, leadership, sport and other activities provide opportunities to identify and evidence transferable skills valued by universities and employers.
• Encounters and opportunities  – Students record and reflect upon university visits, employer encounters, careers events, workshops, work experience and other opportunities that help broaden their understanding of life beyond school.
• Planning next steps – Research, experiences and individual goals provide a foundation for one-to-one guidance and support applications to university, apprenticeships, training and employment.

Year 12: Exploring post-18 pathways

Year 12 is about broadening horizons, gaining meaningful experience and beginning to shape an individual plan for life beyond Bridgewater.

Students:

• explore the full range of post-18 pathways including university courses, degree and higher apprenticeships, school-leaver programmes, further training and employment;
• undertake work experience and reflect upon the skills, knowledge and insights gained;
• receive support in researching courses, institutions, careers and entry requirements;
• attend university and college open days and engage with employers, universities, apprenticeships and training providers;
• benefit from careers talks, taster opportunities, careers events and access to widening participation programmes;
• build their wider academic and professional profile through further reading, online learning, volunteering, enrichment and leadership opportunities;
• develop employability skills and begin preparing for future applications and interviews; and
• use their Careers Passport and individual guidance to begin shaping their post-18 plans.

Students considering highly competitive courses, Oxbridge or international universities are also supported in researching requirements and preparing appropriately for the application process.

 

Year 13: Taking the next step

In Year 13, the focus shifts from exploration to application and transition. With small year groups and strong relationships between students and staff, we are able to provide highly individual support as plans develop and decisions are made.

Students:

• receive individual guidance and support with university, apprenticeship, training and employment applications;
• draw upon their academic achievements, wider experiences and Careers Passport to evidence their skills and suitability effectively;
• receive support throughout the UCAS process, including applications to competitive courses, Oxbridge and international universities where appropriate;
• develop interview skills through preparation and practice interviews, including opportunities to engage with employers, alumni and other professionals;
• continue to explore apprenticeship and employment opportunities and develop effective application and job-search skills;
• prepare for greater independence through practical guidance on areas including student finance, budgeting and employment; and
• receive ongoing support as they confirm their plans and prepare for the transition from Bridgewater to their chosen next step.

Our aim is not simply to help students secure their next destinations, but to equip them with the skills to make informed career decisions with confidence throughout their future lives.

 

Independent careers information and guidance

Alongside the personalised support available in Sixth Form, students are encouraged to engage independently with reliable sources of careers and labour market information.

The National Careers Service provides free, government-backed careers information and guidance including:

• detailed career profiles covering roles, skills, qualifications, salaries and routes into different professions;
• information about the labour market, employment trends and areas of skills demand; and
• access to independent careers support online and by telephone.

Students also have access to independent and impartial personal careers guidance at key points during Sixth Form, providing an opportunity to discuss their individual interests, aspirations and options in greater depth.

 

The Gatsby Benchmarks

Our Sixth Form Careers Programme is shaped around the eight Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance.

Working with parents, alumni and employers

Our wider Bridgewater community has an important role to play in helping students understand the breadth of opportunities available beyond Sixth Form.

We welcome involvement from parents, alumni, employers and local organisations who can share professional experience, contribute to careers events and practical interviews, offer workplace visits or provide meaningful work experience opportunities. These real world encounters complement the guidance students receive in school, giving them valuable insight into different professions, industries and routes into employment. If you would be interested in becoming part of the Bridgewater Careers Network, please contact Dr Ben Wong, Head of Careers. Email wongb@bridgewater-school.co.uk