Dear Parents/Carers,

At Richard Challoner School, we are committed to providing our students with high-quality, impartial Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) to ensure they have the best resources available to plan for their futures.

Careers support is integrated throughout the school year via curriculum lessons, dedicated events, our careers library, and tailored support from our Careers Lead and CEIAG Advisor, Mrs Stansbridge. While individual guidance begins primarily with Year 11 students preparing for post-16 choices, all year groups (Years 7–13) receive targeted opportunities at key points in their school journey.

What to Expect for Year 7

• Summer Term Careers Unit: Students complete a digital careers unit on their iPads via Showbie, reflecting on their progress in Year 7 and identifying areas they wish to explore as they move into Year 8.

• Careers Appointments: Available during the Summer Term upon request by either the student or their form tutor. Please join us in encouraging your son to consider questions or areas he might like to explore.

• Interactive Events: Students will explore links between subjects and future career pathways, including practical activities such as the Design & Technology Engineering Day.

• National Campaigns: We celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (February) and National Careers Week (March) with dedicated tutorial activities, with supporting materials published on the school website in advance.

• Xello Platform: Students continue using our interactive careers platform, Xello, accessible via their iPads for independent study and guided careers units. We hope to roll out parent access later this academic year so you can follow your son’s progress and career ideas.

• Future Skills Questionnaire (FSQ): Students will also complete the Future Skills Questionnaire (FSQ) during the year to help us assess their career confidence, knowledge, and essential skills so we can tailor our careers provision to their needs.

How You Can Get Involved

Introducing future planning early helps students explore their strengths and make informed decisions. In addition to pastoral time and drop-in access to the Careers Office, we regularly host guest speakers and industry professionals to inspire students and connect learning to the working world.

If you can support these activities by giving a talk, representing your company/industry, or sharing your career story, please complete our brief Parent Support Google Form. Click Here

Next Steps & Contact Information

Please take this opportunity to discuss future aspirations with your son at home. For regular updates on events and parent resources, visit our School Careers Page Click Here

If you have questions or would like to speak to the Careers Department, please contact us at careersiag@challoner.kingston.sch.uk. I will write to you again with a further update later in the academic year.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs L Stansbridge

CEIAG Lead (Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance)