We aim to support pupils to make realistic and informed decisions about their future, by raising aspirations and providing impartial and independent information and guidance. We promote equality of opportunity, celebrate diversity and challenge stereotypes.

Our specific objectives are to ensure that pupils:

• Develop the skills and attitudes necessary for success in adult and working life.
• Are aware of the range of opportunities which are realistically available to them in continued education and training at 14+, 16+ and 18+. 
• Are equipped with the necessary decision-making skills to manage those same transitions. 
• Develop an awareness of the wide variety of education, training and careers opportunities both locally and nationally. 
• Use effectively the resources available to make informed and appropriate choices throughout their school journey. 
• Benefit from links fostered between the school, and further education establishments.
• Experience the world of work and develop transferable skills.
• Wherever possible leave the school to enter employment, further education or training.
• Experience a culture of high aspirations, equality of opportunity, in which diversity is celebrated and stereotypes are challenged.
• Receive extra assistance and guidance to reach their potential, where this is necessary. 

How we deliver our careers programme
As a school, we are committed to providing all pupils in Years 7-13 with a careers programme which is embedded into the curriculum and includes a variety of enrichment activities, including the Latymer lecture series, guest speakers within departments, school trips, work experience opportunities and the careers fair.

The programme has been developed in line with the eight Gatsby benchmarks for ensuring best practice and to meet the requirements of the Department for Education’s statutory guidance 2018. For years 2024/2025 we are tackling Gatsby benchmarks 3 and 8. We have purchased new careers software, which will be rolled out to all pupils in the coming academic year.

The current careers programme is delivered through a combination of methods, including explicit lessons provided within the taught Personal Development Curriculum programme in Years 7 through to Year 9, which is predominantly form tutor led. Careers information is available both in the careers library and in digital format via the Unifrog platform which provides access to information on work experience, apprenticeships, universities, the labour market, career pathways and UCAS applications.

"Pupils have access to high-quality careers education, including work experience." Ofsted 2022

At Key Stage 3, this includes careers library research with an aim to raise pupil aspirations, and developing personal, social and employability skills. Assemblies and a parent and pupil information evening on choosing options are also provided. Individual interviews are also held with an independent careers practitioner.

At Key Stage 4, pupils continue research into careers and pathways into the Sixth Form and higher education. They develop skills in CV, letter writing, presentations and interviews. This includes a day in a workplace in Year 10; a week’s work experience at a self-arranged placement in Year 11, supported by a parent information evening; assemblies on apprenticeships and A-level options and an A-level options evening for parents and pupils. Individual interviews are held with an independent careers practitioner, who also provides guidance on apprenticeships. We also have a careers fair where pupils have appointments with a range of different professionals.

At Key Stage 5, a series of careers lectures are delivered from universities and employers. Some of these lectures, together with form time, are devoted to the topic of UCAS applications and interview skills. Students also develop skills in writing their personal statements, presentations and interviews. This includes a mock interview with a member of the Latymer staff. Some students will also carry out some work experience within a particular industry. There is also a UCAS evening event Individual careers interviews are held with an independent, qualified careers practitioner. Students are also able to book an appointment with professionals attending the careers fair. 

Careers team

• Simon Pashley: Senior Assistant Head and SLT Lead
• Louise Cook: Careers Coordinator (coo@latymer.co.uk)
• Sandra Brown: Independent Careers Advisor 
• Chris Wakefield: Deputy Head, Sixth form
• Yvonne Conway: Careers Administrator
• Sixth Form Administrator

How to get involved

If you work for a company offering work placements, please feel free to contact our Careers Coordinator. We’re always interested in linking with new companies as part of our Year 11 work placement scheme!

Next review of the Career information: September 2025.

• Check out our exhaustive list of career support websites.
• Read our Careers Education Information, Advice and Guidance policy available on Our policies page.