Our careers programme

We know there is more to success than academic achievement alone. Education isn’t simply about passing exams; it’s about enabling students to learn the skills and qualities they need to be successful at school and beyond. We want every pupil from Year 1 to Y11 to do well enough to go to select, secure and succeed in the best-fit destination of their choice. To support this, we will ensure that alongside setting high expectations for academic progress, we also focus on building the habits and skills most desired by employers and universities, guarantee access and exposure to the experiences that will help students to shape a vision for their own future and guide their decisions about their university or career pathway after school.

Each year group in Primary will have one term dedicated to career workshops.  At KS3, all pupils will have at least 2 encounters with an employer, sixth form or a university and a term dedicated to career workshops. At KS4, Y10 pupils will have a term dedicated to career sessions and Y11s will have a weekly sessions dedicated to careers.  By Y11, all pupils would have had weekly workshops with local universities, colleges and sixth forms and a interview with a qualified careers guidance officer

Work experience is a valuable and rewarding opportunity offered to Year 10 students, providing them with a first insight into the world of work. During this one-week placement in the spring term, students gain real-life experience by spending time in a workplace, allowing them to develop important employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and independence.

Over 85% of employers see work experience as a way to identify future employees with 66% of recruiting employers considering it a significant factor when evaluating candidates.

The programme helps students make informed decisions about their future careers, build confidence, and understand workplace expectations. In addition, many students benefit from references gained during their placement, which can support college applications and future job opportunities.

Students are expected to source their own placement and organise their own travel, helping them take responsibility and prepare for adult life. We strongly encourage all students to take part and, where possible, to continue gaining further work experience beyond Year 10 to enhance their skills and career readiness.

If you are an employer or professional who would be willing to support our students by offering a work experience placement, we would greatly appreciate your involvement. Please contact the school directly  (info@arkvictoria.org)  to discuss how you can support and help provide this valuable opportunity for our young people.