Transition & Careers Programme

Our curriculum includes Transition and Careers lessons, delivered once a fortnight by Heads of Year. These lessons are designed to support students in the transition from Year 11 into Year 12, with an initial focus on the A-Level mindset. The lessons then go on to explore various post-18 options ensuring that students have had the chance to explore all pathways open to them. Lessons go on to cover CV writing, cover letters, apprenticeships (at all levels!),  finding and securing good quality work experience, applying to university, and managing their finances. Through these lessons we provide opportunities for 1:1 support equipping our students for life beyond Bishop Stopford.

Students in our Sixth Form progress to a variety of post-18 pathways. The majority of students successfully apply to university for a wide variety of courses; around 15% of students applying for places to study at Oxford, Cambridge, and courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science. Mrs Hainsworth, our Excellence and Ambition Coordinator, works to support these “Early Applicant” students in applying for and securing these competitive university places.

Increasingly, our students also apply for Higher and Degree level apprenticeships having been exposed to this route through our career’s guidance, Transition and Careers lessons, and through Sixth Form events such as our Step into Employment Day. A growing number of our students go into high quality apprenticeships, benefitting from the opportunity to study for their qualification while gaining valuable on-the-job experience. We offer opportunities for students to network with lots of local and national employers, allowing them to fully understand the options open to them. 

Lastly, we offer Independent Careers guidance. Students are able to book appointments with these careers advisors and are offered subsequent check ins, if required. We are fully compliant with the Baker Clause in relation to Careers Education and Guidance.