Careers Bulletin – September 2025

In this section

What is a career?

A career is a life-long journey of learning, skills acquisition, knowledge, experiences and opportunities. At Kimbolton School, we are very proud to be an integral part of your child’s career journey, supporting and encouraging them as they grow and develop throughout the Senior School and beyond.

Future Focus on the journey from First to Sixth Form

As we begin a new school year, it’s the perfect time to look ahead—not only to the subjects and activities we’ll enjoy this term, but also to the exciting possibilities that lie beyond school.

Careers education is not something to be left until the last minute in Sixth Form; it is a journey that starts from the very first day in First Form and continues right through to your final year with us. Every stage brings new opportunities to discover strengths, explore interests, and build the skills that will open doors to your future.  

This term, I am delighted to introduce our new careers platform, XELLO, to all year groups. Pupils will be able to use XELLO both in school and at home to begin a personalised journey of discovery—exploring their skills, interests, and ambitions, and seeing how these connect to future jobs and industries. The platform also provides vital labour market information, helping pupils to understand which careers are growing, which may change, and how they can start preparing now for the world of work. 

Just a few highlights of this year’s careers programme include: 

  • Future Friday Breakfasts – Open to both pupils and their parents, these morning sessions will feature guest speakers from a wide range of industries. Each talk will reflect the interests and aspirations expressed by our pupils, offering valuable real-world insights from professionals. 
  • Optional Evening Careers Webinars – Designed for pupils and parents, these sessions will explore the wide range of post-18 pathways. Understanding these options early helps pupils make confident and informed choices about their GCSE and A level subjects. 
  • Lunchtime Insight Workshops – Created in response to pupil feedback, these workshops are open to all year groups. They will cover topics pupils are keen to learn about, helping them develop essential life and employability skills. 
  • Finance Day – A chance for all Senior School pupils to start thinking seriously about managing money and building financial confidence. 
  • Higher Education and Careers Fair – Open to all Senior School pupils, this event will feature stalls and talks from universities, employers, and training providers, helping both pupils and parents explore the full range of post-18 opportunities. 

The full programme can be found on the Careers Resources Page, and you can sign up for events via the booking forms provided. 

This is a year full of opportunity. I encourage every student—whether you are in First Form or Sixth Form—to get involved, be curious, and take steps now that your future self will thank you for. 

 

For any questions about the Careers Education Programme, please contact Mrs Southern

Friday 12th September Whole school assembly – AI and the future of jobs

Friday 19th September Future Friday Breakfasts – 08.00-08.40h Green Room – This will focus on Law and the careers that are associated with law. Please sign up here

Tuesday 23rd September Lunchtime Insight Workshop – 13.00-13.30h Careers Hub – This will focus on volunteering and work experience highlighting its value now and in the future.

Saturday 27th September UCAS drop in session – 09.30-12.00h Castle Workroom – To support all U6th pupils with their UCAS applications

Tuesday 30th September Fourth Form Careers Evening Webinar – 19.00-20.00h online – Mrs Southern and Mr Whitely will be leading a session on FOCUS and how to achieve educational goals that open up career opportunities from Fourth form onwards. A letter will be sent out with more information.

Focus on Law

This months Future Friday Breakfast is on LAW. It is on the Friday 19th November at 08.00h in the Green Room for all parents and pupils who are interested in how to consider careers surrounding Law.

The legal industry in the UK is one of the most respected and wide-ranging professions, playing a vital role in society by upholding justice, protecting rights, and advising individuals, businesses, and organisations. Law is a diverse field that offers opportunities in many different areas—from criminal and family law to corporate, environmental, and human rights law. There is a Beginners guide to a career in law which gives some great information and also Q&A that are really helpful.

Different roles in law

So many pupils are unsure of the different roles and it is important to understand these and how they interconnect.

Solicitors – Work directly with clients, providing legal advice, drafting documents, and representing clients in some courts. They often specialise in particular areas such as property, employment, or commercial law.

Barristers – Specialists in courtroom advocacy and litigation. They usually receive cases through solicitors and present arguments in higher courts.

Legal Executives – Qualified lawyers who specialise in a specific area of law, often taking on similar work to solicitors but through a different training route.

Paralegals – Provide essential support by preparing documents, carrying out research, and helping solicitors and barristers with casework.

Judges and Magistrates – Decide cases in court. Magistrates are volunteers who handle less serious cases, while judges are highly experienced lawyers appointed to preside over more complex trials.

Support Roles – The industry also relies on clerks, legal secretaries, and other professionals who keep the justice system running smoothly.

A large range of roles that are related to law are listed HERE

Routes into Law

There are several pathways into the legal profession:

  • University Degree – Many pursue a qualifying law degree (LLB), followed by professional training such as the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) for solicitors, or the Bar Course for barristers. You can find out about studying at university here.
  • Non-Law Degrees – It’s also possible to study another subject at university, then take a law conversion course before continuing professional training.
  • Apprenticeships – Legal apprenticeships, including solicitor and paralegal apprenticeships, allow students to earn while they learn and qualify without going to university. An excellent booklet to look at is The law apprenticeship guide
  • Work Experience – Whatever route you choose, gaining experience through shadowing, internships, or volunteering is highly valued and helps build essential skills.

Skills you gain from studying Law

Studying law doesn’t just prepare you for a legal career—it equips you with a powerful set of skills that are highly valued in many industries. These include:

  • Critical thinking & analysis – The ability to assess information, identify strengths and weaknesses in arguments, and make reasoned decisions.
  • Problem-solving – Law teaches you to break down complex issues, consider different perspectives, and find practical solutions—skills useful in any role.
  • Research skills – You learn how to find, evaluate, and apply information effectively, a key skill in business, government, and beyond.
  • Communication – Law requires you to explain ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally, building confidence in presentations, reports, and negotiations.
  • Attention to detail – Accuracy and precision are essential in legal work, and this careful approach is valued in fields like finance, healthcare, and project management.
  • Negotiation & persuasion – Understanding how to build arguments and influence others is useful in sales, leadership, marketing, and management roles.
  • Time management & organisation – Balancing heavy workloads and deadlines develops strong organisational skills transferable to any career.

Because of this skillset, law graduates are sought after not only in the legal profession, but also in sectors such as business, politics, media, finance, and international organisations.

Spotlight on English

Why English still matters in the age of AI

With the rise of AI tools, some pupils may wonder if studying English is still as important as it once was. The answer is a definite YES! While technology can generate text, it cannot replace the human skills that English develops—skills that are vital in both study and future work.

How English is changing in the age of AI and the internet

The way we use language has always evolved – printing, newspapers, television, and social media each changed communication. Now, AI and internet apps are shaping English in exciting new ways, while also making skills in the subject more important than ever.

1. Language in a digital World
Social media, messaging apps, and online platforms have made communication faster, shorter, and more creative. Emojis, memes, hashtags, and even internet slang are now part of how we express ourselves. English is adapting to these new forms, showing how flexible and alive language really is.

2. Writing with AI
AI can generate text quickly, but it cannot think independently, express genuine feelings, or create authentic human experiences. This means studying English becomes even more valuable—because it trains you to write with originality, clarity, and personality, which is what stands out in a world of automated content.

3. Voice matters
  Studying English empowers people to build and craft arguments, advocate for change, and resist manipulation. In an AI-driven media landscape, critical literacy and the confidence to stand up and voice this is even more important.  

4. New types of storytelling
Digital tools have expanded what “English” can mean: podcasts, blogs, video scripts, online journalism, gaming narratives, and social media content are now major outlets for storytelling. These forms rely on the same skills you practise in English—choosing words carefully, structuring ideas, and engaging an audience.

5. Critical thinking in the information Age
The internet has flooded us with information, but not all of it is accurate or reliable. English teaches you to read critically, spot bias, and understand how language influences people. These are essential skills for navigating news, social media, and online debates.

6. Opportunities for the future
As AI and apps create new platforms, they also create new jobs: digital content creation, online journalism, scriptwriting for streaming, copywriting for brands, and roles in marketing, gaming, and social media. All rely on strong English skills—because audiences still want writing and stories with a human touch.

English isn’t being replaced—it’s evolving. English gives you the creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking that technology can’t provide.

Careers where English is essential

The Bigger Picture


Studying English isn’t just about reading books—it’s about learning how to think, communicate, and connect. These are timeless skills that future-proof you for careers of tomorrow, whether you want to be a lawyer, journalist, teacher, entrepreneur, content creator or something else! Find some interesting jobs that connect to English on Xello and here

Recruitment opportunities

Trainee Accountancy Opportunity for 2026 (opportunity for U6th Form only)

Ensors Chartered Accountants

Cambridge office: Monday 29 September 2025: 1630 – 1830h

Ensors chartered accountants are holding a series of Trainee Recruitment Open Evenings in Autumn 2025.  These evenings are aimed at students who are considering applying for an entry level Trainee Accountant role commencing in autumn 2026.    The evenings will operate on an informal drop-in and attendees can arrive when they wish and stay as long as they like.   Attendees will have the chance to tour the office premises,  chat to current staff (including trainees) and to meet representatives from First Intuition (our study provider).  Light refreshments will be provided.  Parents/guardians are very welcome too.

Volunteering, virtual work and career experiences

This month the Lunchtime Insight Workshop Tuesday 23rd September 13.00h in the Careers Hub, for all Senior School pupils, focusses on volunteering and work experience.

Getting involved in volunteering or work experience is one of the best ways to prepare for life beyond school. Not only does it give you practical, hands-on skills (like teamwork, organisation, and problem-solving), it also helps you build confidence, communication, and resilience—qualities that employers and universities are always looking for. In this workshop, pupils will learn why these experiences matter, how they can shape your future career options, and discover practical ways to find opportunities both in school and in the wider community.

“What actually is virtual work experience?”  

In case you have the same question here is a brief explanation.  

Virtual work experience lets pupils explore different careers online. They take part in interactive activities, hear from professionals, and complete tasks to build skills and confidence. It’s a safe and flexible way for pupils to learn about the world of work from home. These experiences are designed in collaboration with leading employers and include video content, interactive activities, and the chance to receive a certificate upon completion.  They vary in length from 30 minutes to 10h on average. Sometimes they are live, but mostly On Demand. 

These are a brilliant use of time for any pupils over the summer holidays!  We recommend Springpod for a great range of opportunities with a wide range of companies.  Older students may also be interested in The Forage, which is online work experience with large corporate companies and includes tasks and feedback within the experience. 

Amazon career tours

Virtual on demand

These programmes give students real insights into cloud computing, robotics, logistics, sustainability and more – straight from the teams at Amazon.


 


 

UBS Insight evening Business and Finance

LIVE webinar – Tuesday 30th September 17.00h-18.30h

This insight event is live and will introduce you to the different roles at UBS bank. It will provide you with information about careers, skills they look for and how to apply.

Get into Law

LIVE webinar – Monday 22nd September – 17.00-18.30h

A really insightful live webinar about how to get into law and the routes you can take.

Get into Business and Accounting

LIVE webinar – Tuesday 23rd September – 17.00-18.30h

A lively and interesting webinar about how to get into Business and Accounting, They will discuss what skills and subjects might help you and what different career routes there are. 

Careers in STEM

LIVE webinar – Wednesday 24th September – 17.00-18.30h

Are you interested in pursuing a career in STEM? This is a live webinar to help you consider all the different roles and how to access them.

First and Second Form virtual work experience

Virtual on demand

Springpod have launched Springville for First and Second pupils– It is a fun virtual interactive town map where they have the opportunity to learn about different sectors and careers and hear from experts. Pupils can learn about careers at the arts Centre, airport, hospital, law courts, tech office and more. There are five short steps to enter for free.


 


 

Volunteering opportunities for all

Volunteering is brilliant to boost your soft skills and to benefit your community.  Here are some good websites for you to explore to find the right volunteering for you. 

1. Volunteer Cambs 

2. Cambridge Volunteers 

3. Cambridgeshire County Council Volunteering 

4. Get Volunteering Cambridgeshire 

5. Do-it.life – Cambridge 

7. Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service (CCVS)

9. National Trust – Cambridgeshire 

10. Caring Together 


 


 

DATE FOR THE DIARY:

What Next? Event at Olympia London

IN PERSON – Saturday 15 November, 2025

What University? & What Career? This is a FREE live event for pupils from Fourth Form to Upper 6th to find out post 18 information about access to universities, apprenticeships, employment, advice and much more.  A video of what to expect is here What University? & What Career? Live March 2025 

On Saturday 15 November, 2025 Mrs Southern will be attending this event to make new contacts and find out the most up to date information for the pupils and would welcome any Kimbolton pupils and their families to meet her there. https://forms.office.com/e/eQCh8bGWFp

Please put this date in the diary and there will be more information to follow.

 

Check these websites for free webinars in September

Young Professionals – Events

InvestIN – Events for Students

CTM Pathway – Events

General work experience websites:

Springpod – work experience opportunities both on demand and also live

The Forage – online work experience with large corporate companies – tasks and interaction

OpenLearn Courses – a really good site for courses and particularly ones that relate to specific jobs or further learning courses.

Alison Courses– lots of free short courses.

360 NHS WORK EXPERIENCE

Where can I get more careers advice and information?

Careers Resources Page – General information for current families at Kimbolton School

Any student from First Form to Upper 6th who has questions about their career journey can arrange a careers appointment with Mrs Southern by filling in this form or speaking to their tutor.

Parents are also encouraged to contact Mrs Southern if you have questions related to your child’s careers education or planning. Contact Mrs Taylor for university-related queries

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