Career Support

The world of work and the typical ‘career’ is changing at a faster rate than ever before. At Royal Russell, careers education is a priority for all pupils and we base our programme on the following strands:

Self-Awareness

Providing the tools and opportunities for young people to grow in awareness of themselves - their skills, their interests, their challenges and how they respond to different situations. Linking this to decision making for their future steps.

Understanding the World of Work

Providing pupils with opportunities to learn about a wide variety of different job roles, including ‘future’ jobs, different qualification pathways to careers, challenging stereotyping and raising aspiration, and applying labour market information to the decision-making process.

Practical Experience

Opportunities and encouragement to take up multiple work experience and volunteering opportunities, to encourage curiosity and research skills, to develop face to face networking skills, a practical understanding of the benefits of professional social networking platforms, and a strong focus on acquiring and developing key transferable skills.

We do this by:

• Dedicated careers lessons for Year 12

• Timetabled support for Year 13 pupils completing UCAS applications

• Individual careers counselling for all pupils from the Head of Careers, a Registered Career Development Professional.

• Mock employment interviews, CV workshops, LinkedIn training and Assessment centre training arranged.

• A rolling programme of Careers events - catered to the demands of pupils and needs of industry.

• Annual Higher Education & Futures Fair.

• Information, guidance and personal support on all Apprenticeship applications.

•  Work experience placement support for pupils.

• 1:1 and group UCAS support, including an Elite University Preparation Programme.

• 1:1 support with applications to international universities.

• Brokering provision of advice and mentoring with professionals.

• Social Enterprise projects, Volunteering opportunities and Professional encounter experiences in Year 12.

• Utilising our alumni and parent network to provide ‘in the field’ advice and support.

• Member of London and local business networks to keep in touch and utilise opportunities.

• A weekly Careers Newsletter is sent to all pupils and parents, and includes an ‘Opportunities Spotted This Week’ section giving details of super and extracurricular events, virtual work experience, and paid or unpaid/volunteering opportunities.

Careers Education at Royal Russell is fun, informative, and challenging. We provide dedicated support and guidance, but always encourage pupils to make their own decisions at ages 16+ and 18+, whether that be to continue with further or higher education, in the UK or overseas, or into employment. Support does not finish when a young person leaves us either – we pride ourselves on maintaining strong relationships with alumni.

We are proactive in forging links with the business community to aid our pupils’ development and prospects and to provide opportunities for future talent.