Careers & UCAS
In accordance to our motto of Education for a Changing World, we believe that students should be aware of all opportunities when making choices about their future.
We are proud to be a comprehensive school and recognise that all our students have unique talents and skills. We ensure all our students are fully aware of the range of opportunities available to them after Year 13, whether this be university, apprenticeships or the world of work - and we will support all students in achieving their future goals.
We organise a range of UCAS & Careers events throughout the year including;
- Higher Apprenticeship Evening
- UCAS/Oxbridge/Medics Evening
- Careers Day
- UCAS Discovery Day
- Interview Skills Day
Careers Day
Our annual Careers Day is one of the largest events of its kind in the local area, designed to help Sixth Form students explore the wide range of opportunities available after school. From School Leaver Apprenticeship Programmes to Graduate Schemes, the event provides valuable insights into future pathways.
Each year, hundreds of students from our school and partner schools attend, alongside representatives from a diverse mix of businesses, charities, universities, and alumni. The day typically includes employer talks in the morning and a vibrant Careers Fair in the afternoon, giving students the chance to network, gain industry knowledge, and even secure work experience opportunities.
Careers Day continues to grow year after year, attracting local, national, and international organisations and offering students an exceptional platform to plan for life beyond Sixth Form.
Higher Apprenticeship Evening
Our annual Higher Apprenticeships Evening introduces higher and degree level apprenticeships as an excellent alternative to the traditional university route. These programmes allow students to gain a degree while working in paid employment - without incurring tuition fees or taking out student loans.
Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors, including Banking and Finance, Digital Industries, Engineering, Chartered Surveying, Aerospace, and more. They offer the unique advantage of combining academic study with real-world experience, helping students build professional skills and networks from day one.
The evening includes a formal presentation by Anna Morrison, an eminent expert in the field of apprenticeships who works with both employers and training providers, followed by time to approach the employers to ask more specific questions.
This event is designed to give students the knowledge and confidence to explore pathways ahead of our main Careers Day, giving students more information about the quality and scope of these Higher Apprenticeships, as well as the chance to speak directly to just a sample of the employers who deliver these programmes. Then on Careers Day, our students will be able to approach the 80+ organisations that will be represented with more knowledge regarding the range of choices they may wish to make enquiries of.
Interview Skills Day
Our Interview Skills Day gives Sixth Form students the chance to experience a real recruitment process and build confidence for future applications. Students prepare tailored CVs and cover letters before taking part in mock interviews with professionals from a wide range of industries.
The event also provides valuable networking opportunities, allowing students to discuss career pathways, skills development, and gain practical advice from experienced employers.
Interview Skills Day is an important part of our careers programme, helping students understand what employers look for and equipping them with the tools to succeed in interviews and beyond.
Young Enterprise
We are proud to take part in Young Enterprise , a national programme. Sjl students take part in the Company Programme that provides a real-life learning opportunity that introduces young people to the world of work as they set up and run their own student company.
It gives SJL students the chance to experience what it’s like to run a real business. Working in teams, students create and manage their own company - from developing a product or service to marketing, selling, and handling finances. It’s a hands-on way to learn about entrepreneurship and the challenges of the business world.
Through this scheme, students gain practical skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and financial management. They also build confidence and resilience by making decisions and learning from real outcomes.
Work Experience
We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Each year, our Year 12 students take part in a dedicated week of work experience, giving them the chance to explore potential career paths and gain invaluable insights into the world of work.
This experience helps students understand what life is like beyond school, developing practical skills such as communication, organisation and teamwork.
It’s an opportunity to discover new interests, build confidence and make informed decisions about the next steps in education or employment. By spending time in a professional environment, students see how their studies connect to real-world opportunities and leave with a stronger sense of independence and ambition. It’s a week that often shapes their future.
