Welcome to Our Careers Page for Parents and Carers

We know that parents and carers play a huge role in helping young people make decisions about their future. This page is designed to give you clear, practical information so you feel confident supporting your child through key transition points in their school journey.

Here you’ll find conversation starters, downloadable resources, and links to trusted organisations. Whether your child is choosing GCSE options, thinking about life after Year 11, or preparing for university, apprenticeships, or work, you’ll find support here.

Throughout secondary school, there are three key stages where students make important decisions about their future. These choices help shape the subjects they study, the qualifications they gain, and the routes open to them afterwards. With your support, your child can make informed, confident choices.

Encouraging your child to think about their future doesn’t mean having all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions, listening actively, and helping them reflect. Below are some simple ways to start those conversations at different stages of their journey.

🌱 Year 7 & 8 : Discovering Strengths and Interests

At this stage, students are just beginning to understand their own talents and the world of work.

• “What subjects do you enjoy most at the moment — and what do you like about them?”

• “What are you naturally good at, in or outside of school?”

• “Can you think of a job where someone uses the skills you’re developing now?”

• “Have you ever thought about what kind of work you might enjoy in the future?”

• “Let’s look at a job together and see what skills or subjects it uses.”

🎯 Year 9: Making Informed GCSE Choices

This is a key decision point where choices start to shape future pathways.

• “Which subjects are you thinking about taking for GCSE, and why?”

• “What do you enjoy — and what keeps you motivated in that subject?”

• “Are there any careers that link to the subjects you’re thinking about?”

• “Let’s look at how different options can lead to different pathways.”

• “Did you know not choosing a subject now doesn’t always close doors — but it can open some?”
  
  More information on the GCSE options offered can be found on the main school website under "Curriculum & Learning".

🎓 Years 10 & 11: Planning Next Steps After Year 11

Students are preparing to apply for post-16 pathways — a good time to explore options together.

• “What are you thinking about doing after Year 11 — sixth form? college? apprenticeship?”

• “Do you know what qualifications you need for the jobs or courses you’re interested in?”

• “Have you looked at any open evenings or taster days? Want to go together?”

• “What do you want your life to look like in 5 years? What steps could get you there?”

• “What support do you need from me to help you feel confident in your choices?”

More information about post-16 options can be found on our "Exploring Pathways" Page.

🎓 Years 12–13: Preparing for Life After School

Whether they’re considering university, apprenticeships, or work, these years are about building independence and direction.

• “What kind of life do you want to build — and how will your choices now help shape that?”

• “Have you spoken to anyone working in a field you’re interested in?”

• “If you’re thinking about university, have you compared courses or visited campuses?”

• “If you’re looking at apprenticeships or work, do you know how to write a great CV or prepare for interviews?”

• “What’s one thing you’re excited — and one thing you’re nervous — about when it comes to life after school?”

More information about post-18 options can be found on our "Exploring Pathways" Page.

Other useful links for parents:

CareerPilot Parent Zone 

Careers Writers Association Parental Guidance 

The Parents' Guide to National Careers Week

Careermag parents / carers / guardians guide