We have created a carefully structured Careers Guidance Programme, which helps students gain the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to effectively manage their individual career path. This effort is lead by a dedicated careers advisor supported by seven members of staff who make up the careers team. Other staff are also involved in careers education and we work closely with the Careers advisor from Connexions CfBT (the Thames Valley based Careers Advisory Service).

Careers education is an integral part of the sixth form study programme. Students have a personal tutor, access to careers advice and a full programme of support and guidance for entry into Higher Education. Each year students participate in ‘University Entrance’ days at school and Reading University, together with a special programme of support for aspiring Oxbridge entrants and those wishing to pursue a course in Medicine or Dentistry.

A decision to go into further education is often the first step toward a valuable and rewarding career. Universities and colleges offer a tremendous range of courses leading to vocational and academic qualifications that can open the door to a world of opportunities. The careers staff at Slough Grammar offer important advice to those considering further education, from showing students how to find their way around the UCAS application system to offering ideas and direction on selecting appropriate colleges and universities.

There is no doubt that further education is valuable and enhances future prospects. Our role is to help students make the right choices and prepare them well for further education – the successes of past students confirm we’re getting it right!

Students following taking our Intermediate Business course will get out of school and into the world of work with a one-week work experience placement. This provides invaluable experience and brings many other benefits. Students gain confidence and an understanding of the working environment, they see working relationships and structures in action and realise how health and safety issues are dealt with in the work place. Importantly, they become equipped to think about their future role in work and the experience adds context to their studies.

To ensure the encounter is a good one, the Experience of Work Co-ordinators work closely with the Windsor Slough Education Business Partnership who administer local experience of work placements. They establish placements, check that companies are adequately insured, look at health and safety provision and ensure that the placement will offer a genuine work experience. Students usually return from experience of work placements a little older and wiser, inspired and motivated!

Careers education is about making sure students are ready for what comes next, and ready for taking their place in the world – Slough Grammar School ensures students are well prepared.