Careers at Windsor Girls'       

At Windsor Girls, we aim to provide the best possible outcomes for all our students. All departments work collaboratively to help students learn about careers and the world of work, manage their own development, and make life choices and decisions that benefit their wellbeing, success, and contributions to the wellbeing of others.

Ultimately, we want our students to leave fulfilled and on track to achieve their best outcomes at their next key stage.  Our careers programme provides a range of bespoke activities, both within and outside of school, by internal and external providers. Every department tracks their careers-related activities in their curriculum, all our trips have clear links to careers education, and we are committed to providing the best information, advice and guidance.

Year 9

Every student in Year 9 will have fortnightly careers lessons as part of our Personal Development Learning programme. Students will learn about future careers, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills development, outdoor careers, freelance and hybrid working, enterprise, and financial literacy.

In addition, Year 9 students are introduced to the Unifrog online careers and destinations platform. This is a valuable tool for students to explore global university courses, further education, and apprenticeships; learn about entry requirements for specific professions; and log their extracurricular activities to build a portfolio that will be useful when drafting personal statements and job applications in the future.

Students are also given guidance on making informed choices at GCSE through a series of taster workshops from every department. Throughout the year, students build on their learning about different pathways through a series of talks from Universities, Colleges, and Apprenticeship providers.  As part of our commitment to encounters with employers and employees, Year 9 also have a whole day with Ericsson, where they compete in a series of STEAM-based activities and aim to impress the judges with their inspirational ideas of how technology could be used in the future.

Careers are also developed through the various trips and opportunities within departments. These include visits to the Science Museum, the Royal Ascot Schools Art competition, Author’s visits, participation in the choir and school productions, the Student Leadership Conference and sports events both within the UK and across Europe. 

Year 10

The Careers Programme in Year 10 builds upon self-development, career exploration and career management. Students learn what qualities and skills are relevant to different careers and build on their employability skills. The Careers Programme gives students the opportunity to learn about Financial Education, setting up a Business, Careers in Finance and Banking, Saving vs Spending, Young Entrepreneurs, Influencer and Digital content creators, and Global Careers.  Students will learn how their education and training can continue in several environments, from higher education to further education and apprenticeships. Towards the end of Year 10, students are given the opportunity to learn from employers onsite with Workplace Visits and Work Experience Placements, both of their choice and as part of the whole school provision.

Further events for Year 10 include the Year 10 Parent Partnership Evening, which supports pupils and parents at the start of Key Stage 4, outreach talks and business careers events with feeder middle schools. Many Year 10 pupils choose to undertake the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, which allows pupils to develop vital transferable skills which are sought after by employers.

Year 11

The Careers Programme at this stage again covers transferable skills and qualifications required for various careers. This incorporates information and guidance about different industries and their required qualifications, courses available post 16, successful completion of application forms, CV writing, and interview skills. Pupils will be encouraged to explore and use Unifrog, the National Careers Service website and other programmes available through school.

All Year 11 students will have at least one careers interview with a fully qualified careers advisor. The individual appointment allows pupils to explore a range of different options without bias. Some pupils may need a follow-up appointment for further support and guidance. Following all interviews, information is collated, and pupils are assigned to relevant insight sessions. These sessions involve visitors from different employment sectors who work with small groups to share further information about their field. The informal atmosphere allows pupils to ask questions, gather more specific information, and network.

During Year 11, there is a Parent Partnership Evening in addition to the Sixth Form Information Evening and subsequent taster sessions. All Year 11 pupils will have a Sixth Form interview with a senior member of staff, giving them the opportunity to explore options and aspirations for the future. The Duke of Edinburgh Silver is available in Year 11.

Year 12

Student Leadership is an important aspect of school life and Year 12 play a vital role in this structure. Beginning with the Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl and the Senior Student Leader Team, leadership opportunities are made available. Students can develop their employability skills by taking the lead on aspects of school life such as chairing the School Council, public speaking, charity fundraising, mentoring younger students and volunteering in the local community.

At the start of Year 12, students are supported with their Key Stage Five choices, academic and vocational study courses. During Year 12, students have a ‘common’ period on their timetable which allows students to meet as a year group to focus on a range of careers and PDL-related topics. Regular visiting speakers from universities, apprenticeship providers and charities provide students with external information to inform future career planning. All Year 12s are expected to complete a week-long work experience placement in Term 6. Students can attend the UCAS and Apprenticeship Fairs to gather information on post-18 options and participate in open days and university visits.

Sixth Form students have increased opportunities to work with partners such as Eton College, Windsor Castle, and the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Sixth Form also have the opportunity to participate in events at Eton College and build upon their skills and networking in respective areas of interest.

The Careers Programme builds upon their understanding of budgeting at university, understanding contracts and employment opportunities.

Year 13

At this stage of the Careers Programme, students are preparing for their Post 18 choices and consolidating their personal profile on Unifrog. The activities provided include guidance on skills for the future, being a global citizen and understanding the jobs market.

In Year 13, students are encouraged to make informed choices about their futures beyond Windsor Girls’ School. Careers Information Advice and Guidance is tailored to students' needs. Typically, three-quarters of our Year 13s will move on to further study at universities, drama schools, and conservatoires. For these students, we offer UCAS application sessions, one-to-ones for personal statements, mock interviews for competitive courses such as medicine, and preparation for Oxford and Cambridge.

More students are considering alternatives. Sessions on alternatives to university, apprenticeships, and school leavers’ schemes are offered. Students have access to CTM Pathways, which provides bespoke advice and opportunities to meet employers and participate in internships. Regular emails also share information and opportunities for Apprenticeships, internships, Gap Year and in-industry placements.

Contact Information:

Shadia Anderson

Careers Coordinator:  sanderson@windsorgirls.net

This website provides a wealth of information for parents about the different stages and choices our students are faced with.

The law has  changed to make schools responsible for securing independent careers guidance for their pupils in years 8-13. This is because school or college is best placed to secure the advice and support they need to help them decide what option is best for them. Your child can also contact trained advisers for impartial advice at the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 (open from 8.00am to 10pm, seven days a week) – and they can use the web-chat service by accessing the website above.

We have received £300 worth of resources for our Careers Library from How 2 Become. The recent and relevant information will allow students to research their chosen careers.

The January 2023 updated provider access legislation specifies schools must provide at least six encounters for all their students, during school years 8- 13

• two encounters for pupils during the ‘first key phase’ (year 8 or 9) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend

• two encounters for pupils during the ‘second key phase’ (year 10 or 11) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend

• two encounters for pupils during the ‘third key phase’ (year 12 or 13) that are mandatory for the school to put on but optional for pupils to attend

Compass+ evaluation on how we meet each Gatsby Benchmark

Up to date Labour Market Information (LMI)

Labour market overview, UK - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)