Careers resources

Careers guidance

Careers education and guidance form an essential part of the programme of self-awareness and development that all Ackworth School pupils experience; from the fifth form right through to the post A level results period. Subject choice, employment and training opportunities, work experience, and guidance about further and higher education, all form part of the programme of individual careers guidance. Students are exposed to a wide array of careers as early as can be effectively delivered, which is validated by visiting experts. The Careers Department have a dedicated library housing a wide range of careers information, along with prospectuses for UK Higher Education institutions (and some for study abroad), information regarding student finance, and advice on other options such as gap years and apprenticeships. Students are granted lifetime access to Morrisby’s online careers guidance and advice – a leading educational careers service which specialises in assisting pupils in making the correct subject choices. The results from Morrisby assessments are used as the basis for individual one to one careers interviews with the Head of Careers in Sixth Form. This helps students to decide which post 18 option is right for them. In the Summer term of the lower sixth we host our UCAS preparation week. Students are introduced to the online UCAS application system and work on their Personal Statement, supported by their Form Tutor, the Head of Careers and the Head of Sixth Form. We are hopeful that a visit to a Higher Education Fair can be organised the whole year group, and students are encouraged to attend university Open Days, both virtually and in person. In the upper sixth, completion of the UCAS application is carefully and individually monitored. There is advice available for those students who wish to follow an alternative path to Higher Education, or who wish to apply to a Higher Education Institution outside of the UK. Students are entitled to as much individual support as they feel they need and can make appointments with the Head of Careers as required. Assistance is offered to students who wish to pursue higher education at a sought-after institution. Ackworth School’s Oxbridge Pathways Programme supports students in their applications to some of the top universities in the country. Most of our students go on to study at their first-choice university and enjoy productive careers. Former pupils routinely return to talk to us about their working life and to support their old school. The Ackworth Old Scholars’ Association is a flourishing organisation which arranges regional events and gatherings, reuniting the Ackworth ‘family’.

Work experience

This academic year, work experience is being offered virtually, with new opportunities being published on a weekly basis. Work experience helps to support students who are applying to competitive courses and provides them with invaluable employability skills that shine through on college and university applications. Further information regarding work experience will be provided in the Spring term.