Careers information published on the website is regularly updated with a full annual review by the end of September.

The school regularly measures and assesses the impact of careers through:

As students prepare for life in the Sixth Form, it is essential that we prepare them for life beyond school. The post-18 university and employment marketplace is as competitive as it has ever been, and so our aim is to empower our students to make the right life choices. Our pathways programme is designed to equip students with the knowledge and transferrable skills they need to succeed across a diverse range of courses and careers in this competitive environment.

Students choose their pathway on the basis of our personalised careers information and guidance. Essentially, the choice is steered by longer term aspirations, based on whether there is a strong preference towards going to university or beginning a career straight after leaving school.

The UCAS pathway is designed to prepare students for higher education. There is a comprehensive package including access to an online resource called Unifrog (which helps students make informed decisions about universities and courses that are available), university exhibitions, UCAS workshops and mock interviews. All students are allocated a personal UCAS mentor, and there is enhanced provision for the Early Applicant Group. Students will also follow the EPQ study skills programme.

The Professional pathway fully prepares students for employment. Students are encouraged to participate actively in work experience opportunities, and will engage with the valuable ‘Employability for Life Charter Plus’, which promotes the acquisition and demonstration of highly valued employment soft skills. This is endorsed by Essex employers. Students will work with experts in the field of apprenticeships, and meet with representatives of businesses to gain valuable knowledge and insights into securing jobs.

The Open pathway is a more flexible route, which enables students to choose aspects from both the UCAS and Professional pathways. The purpose is to continue exploring both university and employment options, possibly leading to students making applications for both, whilst leaving a final decision until examination results are published. Alternatively some students will make a firm choice earlier in the Sixth Form and focus their efforts on securing either a university place or taking their first steps on a career ladder.

We also offer individual meetings with our independent careers advisor. Ultimately we want all of our students to achieve the qualifications and have skillsets that will enable them to be confident and successful, whatever their future ambitions.