Careers Bulletin February and March 2026
National Apprenticeship Week is in February and there are lots of events going on that both pupils and parents can get involved with to understand what apprenticeships are and their benefits.
National Careers Week in March, we will host our own Careers Fair. All senior pupils will have the opportunity to attend, either during the school day with their teachers or in the evening with parents.
This careers bulletin spans both months to include all the events that are happening and a special Careers Fair edition will come out in March.
We encourage pupils and parents to engage with as many events as possible. They are designed to help pupils feel informed and confident about their next steps—whether that involves exploring career ideas, considering starting a business, planning a gap year, or thinking more broadly about future options.
Please sign up for any events of interest, as further details will be shared closer to the time. We look forward to welcoming pupils and parents to these events at school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Career related events in February and March for your diary
9-13th February NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK : During this week we will celebrate apprenticeships by:
- A whole senior school APPRENTICESHIP competition all week – This will be sent out by tutors and the date for submission is the 13th February. Prizes for winners: 1st 2nd Form Hot chocolate and cake with the headmaster on the 2nd March. 3rd-U6th £5 to spend in the tuck shop.
- Tuesday 10th February (All Senior pupils) – Lunchtime Insight Workshop – 13.00-13.30h Careers Hub – This will focus on finding employment, apprenticeships and understanding recruitment – all important to consider now so that pupils are doing things now that will support successful applications when the time comes. Sign up HERE
- Wednesday 11th February (All Senior pupils)- Finance day with talks and activities throughout the day on different aspects of finance from opening a bank account, budgeting, spotting fraud and scams, gambling risks, pensions and more!
- Friday 13th February (For parents and pupils)- Future Friday Breakfast – 08.00-08.40h Green Room – This will focus on Healthcare. We will welcome back a couple of OK’s who are currently working in healthcare professions and Mrs Southern will give an overview of working in the NHS. Please sign up HERE. (please be aware there isn’t breakfast provided due to time constraints – so please fuel up before you arrive and sign in is at the saloon steps not bursary!)
- Friday 13th February (All Senior pupils) – Whole school assembly about Degree Apprenticeships
2-6th March NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK : During this week we will celebrate apprenticeships by:
- Tuesday 3rd March (All Senior pupils) – Lunchtime Insight Workshop – Networking like a pro! Join us for a lunchtime networking event where you can meet employers and build confidence in essential workplace skills. Gain practical experience, useful feedback, and learn how to network with flair—perfect preparation for university interviews and part-time job applications. Please Sign up HERE
- Kimbolton School Careers Fair Thursday 5th March 2026 (All Senior pupils) will be a huge event in our calendar and will involve ALL senior school pupils. This event will help all pupils to explore many different professions, ask questions, find out the skills, and pathways that will help them to access these industries. There will be 12 talks to choose from – please sign up on the poster below and also look out for the parent letter that will come out in March!
Tuesday 10th March (All Senior pupils) – Gap Year Webinar 19.00-20.00h. This webinar is for any Senior School parent and pupil to join. Find out more about what it is like to take a gap year with some of our OK’s who have already done one! There will be lots of information about planning and budgeting for a gap year and also what benefits there are to taking one. Sign up HERE for all evening webinars to receive the link to join.
Thursday 19th March (All Senior pupils) – What is student finance? What is a student loan? Webinar – 19.00-20.00h. This informative session will be run by a university. They will share with us exactly what it means when we talk about student finance and loans. There will be time for questions at the end. Please Sign up HERE
Friday 20th March (All Senior pupils) – NEW DATE: Friday 20th March (For pupils and parents)– Future Friday Breakfast – 08.00-08.40h Green Room – This will be about the computing and tech industry. We will welcome back an OK who has worked with Google and TiK ToK and no WAYMO and will talk to us about how AI and computer technology is changing the world of work and the many different roles there are within it. Please sign up HERE. (please be aware there isn’t breakfast provided due to time constraints – so please fuel up before you arrive and sign in is at the saloon steps not bursary!)
Tuesday 24th March (All Senior pupils) – Starting a business or side hustle. Webinar – 19.00-20.00h. This informative session will be helpful for anyone who is considering starting up a business or side hustle. Please Sign up HERE
What is a degree apprenticeship?
A degree apprenticeship lets you earn a university degree while working and gaining real-world experience. You’ll be employed, earn a salary, and have your tuition fees paid, all while developing valuable skills employers look for. It’s a great option if you want to learn, earn, and launch your career at the same time.
Degree apprenticeships are highly competitive and typically require strong academic attainment, alongside a clear understanding of one’s strengths, skills, and career interests. They offer an excellent post-18 pathway for pupils who feel ready to enter the workplace after sixth form and who are motivated to take on the challenge of combining full-time employment with degree-level study.
At Kimbolton, we run a Degree Apprenticeship Academy to support pupils who are considering this route. The programme begins in the spring term and continues through to the end of Upper Sixth, enabling pupils to apply for opportunities throughout their time at Kimbolton. Pupils are also fully supported to apply for university alongside degree apprenticeships, should they wish to keep both options open.
Mrs Southern is always happy to speak with pupils and parents about degree apprenticeships. In addition, an assembly will take place during National Apprenticeship Week to help pupils develop a clear understanding of what this pathway involves and whether it may be right for them.
Some information on events during this week for parents and pupils: National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9 – 15 February 2026 and National Apprenticeship Week – Events If you sign up for virtual events, you can often get the recordings if you can’t make a specific event.
For any questions, please contact Mrs Southern.
Volunteering, virtual work and career experiences
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.
Are you interested in finding out more about food and nutrition and careers it may lead to?
🍎 Food and Nutrition Taster Days 🍎
Wednesday 15th April, 09:45 – 14:15
Tuesday 12th May, 09:45 – 14:15
Tuesday 7th July, 09:45 – 14:15
Location: University of Hallam City Campus
This university are hosting a series of Taster Days for current Year 12 and 13 students looking to enter a career in Food and Nutrition! Students will experience what courses in Food and Nutrition are like through a variety of activities, hosted by our academic staff in our excellent facilities:
🧁 The functions of sugars in baked goods
🤔 How perception of taste may influence food choices
🏃 Measuring calorie use in the body
💼 Exploring career opportunities and entry requirements
Due to capacity in our specialist facilities, and to ensure a fully interactive experience, spaces are limited.
If you’re interested please email sclo@shu.ac.uk
Army Officer newsletter
Highlights from the Officer Newsletter:
- Army Officer Bursaries & Scholarships: Financial support for university students, including bursaries up to £75,000 for medical and dental students, STEM sponsorships, and nursing bursaries.
- University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC): Leadership training, adventures, and skills development for university students.
- Officer Open Days & Insight Events: Explore leadership roles, tour Sandhurst, and meet current officers.
Get into Medicine
LIVE WEBINAR – Sunday 1st February 09:00-13:30h
This conference is suitable for any student aged 14 or above, from any school or background, who is interested in becoming a doctor.
| 9am – Registration 9:30am – Why medicine/dentistry? Overview of GMC/GDC Standards, skills and training pathways. Academic requirements and Widening Access 10:10am – Break (Q&A optional) 10 minutes 10:20am – Competition Ratios, Entry Requirements, Work Experience, Volunteering, Guided Pathways 10:55am – Break (Q&A optional) 10 minutes 11:05am – Personal Statements, Extra and Supra-curricular activities 11:30am – Top Tips from a Successful Applicant (Current Med/Dent Student) 11:45am – Break (Q&A optional) 10 minutes 11:55am – UCAT entrance exam 12:25pm – Break (Q&A optional) 10 minutes 12:35pm – Medical/Dental school interviews & Comprehensive Application Support 1:00pm – Successful Medical/Dental Applicant (Current Student) 1:15pm – Final Q&A and attendance link for certificates |
KPMG webinar
LIVE WEBINAR – Thursday 5th February 16:00-17:00h
In this webinar designed for school students (and those supporting them), you’ll get an inside look into KPMG. Led by KPMG’s current and former apprentices, you’ll learn all about their journeys. This is your chance to hear the real stories, from day-one top tips to project work from the outset.
You’ll also see what potential career paths are available after the apprenticeship, understand the network of support available, and discover what unique skills you’ll gain with KPMG. Plus, there will be a Q&A at the end, so bring your burning questions.
We want to show you how a KPMG apprenticeship can set you up for success – giving you the confidence in your choice after school.
Law webinar
LIVE WEBINAR – Monday 9th February 17:00-18:30h
Are you considering a career in law but unsure which route to take? Join us for our Get Into Law Workshop Evening, a special event where you will hear directly from leading law firms and legal experts about the different pathways into the legal profession through interactive workshops.
This event is designed for students exploring options such as legal apprenticeships, solicitor training contracts, and university pathways. Whether you are looking for an alternative to university or seeking clarity on the legal profession, this session will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.
Meet Leading Law Firms & Institutions
You will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from some of the most prestigious law firms in the UK (Slaughter and May, Browne Jacobson, Charles Russell Speechlys, University of Law & Farrer & Co)
National Audit Office Opportunities – Apprenticeships
LIVE WEBINAR – Tuesday 10th February 18:30-19:30h
Join the National Audit Office (NAO), the UK’s financial referee, and launch your fully-funded ACA Accountancy Apprenticeship (equivalent to a Master’s degree!).
At the NAO, you’ll earn competitive starting salaries (£28k+ in London) and walk away with a top qualification that leads to £61,000+ in earnings.
In this webinar, you will discover:
Apprentice Insights: Speak directly with current apprentices about their social life and why they chose the NAO over university.
A day-in-the-life of an Apprentice: Work on critical issues – from Net Zero to school buildings – ensuring billions in public money are spent correctly.
The NAO Advantage: Get the FREE ACA qualification and defined career path that guarantees long-term earning potential.
Study in the North: Webinar showcasing universities in the North of England
LIVE WEBINAR – Wednesday 11th February 17:30-18:30h
Study in the North: Webinar and Live Q&A
Join us as the Universities of Lancaster, Sheffield, Newcastle and Sunderland discuss the benefits and opportunities that come from studying in the North of England. You will also hear from a selection of current students, who will let you know first-hand what it is like to be a student in the North of England, with the opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have!
Law webinar
LIVE WEBINAR – Wednesday 11th Febuary 18:30-19:30h
Join this free live webinar during NAW 2026 and hear directly from TLT apprentices about what it’s really like to learn, earn, and make an impact. Ask your questions and get insider tips on apprenticeship opportunities, the recruitment process, and starting a debt-free legal career. Don’t miss this chance to hear first-hand experiences and practical advice from those living it!
Apprenticeship information and work experience
TLT is a modern law firm working with some of the UK’s biggest organisations. No matter your background, a career in Law is possible and what better way to start than at a TLT Solicitors, at a global Law firm. If you have or are predicted ABB at A-Level, TLT want you to be their next generation of young, diverse solicitors, shaping the future of the law.
Want to Travel the World? Get to know NEBOSH…
LIVE WEBINAR – Thursday 12th February 18:30-19:30h
NEBOSH is a global name in health, safety and wellbeing, and their work protects millions of people around the world! In their NAW Session on 12th February, you’ll discover how a career with NEBOSH can open doors internationally, combine purpose with progression, and give you skills that employers everywhere value. It’s an exciting career with the chance to earn big from the start!
Future skills programme careers in STEM
20h flexible study over 5 days between 16th-21st February
This virtual programme is designed to inspire students, broaden their understanding of STEM careers, and equip them with the skills and confidence needed to make informed choices and succeed in future applications and the workplace. The course will take approximately 20 hours to complete and can be worked on flexibly at times that suit the student best. Cost: £50 – FULLY FUNDED Bursary places are available
Careers with animals day
LIVE WEBINAR – Saturday 28th February 10:00-15:00h
Are you considering a career working with animals? This virtual webinar is ideal for pupils who have a genuine interest in animal welfare, veterinary science, conservation, zoology, or related animal-focused careers and would like to explore the range of pathways available.
During the session, pupils will learn about different roles working with animals, the qualifications and skills required, and the routes into these careers, including academic and vocational options. There will also be guidance on gaining relevant experience and an opportunity to ask questions to help inform future subject and career choices.
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.
3. Cambridgeshire County Council Volunteering
4. Get Volunteering Cambridgeshire
7. Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service (CCVS)
9. National Trust – Cambridgeshire
10. Caring Together
“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.
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.
3. Cambridgeshire County Council Volunteering
4. Get Volunteering Cambridgeshire
7. Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service (CCVS)
9. National Trust – Cambridgeshire
10. Caring Together
Army webinar
LIVE WEBINAR – Tuesday 3rd February 16:00-17:00h
Why attend?
- Explore a wide range of roles: engineering, logistics, healthcare, IT, and more
- Learn how students can earn while they learn
- Hear first-hand from soldiers and apprentices about training, career journeys, and day-to-day Army life
This event is a great way to support your careers programme and meet Gatsby Benchmarks by giving students direct insight into real-world opportunities.
Why not attend the event as well to support your students career journey.
RAF CRANWELL – In person opportunity for Lower and Upper 6th Form in July
RAF Cranwell is offering a Look at Life work experience opportunity to students in Lower and Upper 6th Form (13 – 17 July). The programme will encompass a range of activities and opportunities for students to meet serving personnel, visit Squadrons and undertake activities that will develop those essential soft skills we look for in potential candidates. Aimed at students interested in pursuing an RAF career, The programmes are free of charge for students to attend but are non-residential so students will need to make arrangements to get to and from RAF Cranwell daily. Places are limited. Students will have to commit to attend the full programme.
Attached is the application form and FAQ sheet for you. DEADLINE: end of May
Check these websites for free webinars every month
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.
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.
- Careers by subject and industry areas please use XELLO. Use the Explore tab at the top and click on Careers. This will bring up an excellent search engine.
- Degree apprenticeship listing A-Z
- Latest Degree Apprenticeship Listing – Higher-and-Degree-October-2025.pdf
- What you can do with your university subject degree?
- University open days University subject tasters and events
- Aspire guide to careers, further education and university
- Degree Apprenticeship information
- Up-to-date information on degree apprenticeship vacancies around the UK
- Degree Apprenticeship Academy – Contact Mrs Southern for more information
OKs and local business partnerships with Kimbolton School
At Kimbolton, we greatly value the opportunities our pupils have to engage with professionals from a wide range of industries and careers. These interactions help pupils broaden their horizons, develop aspirations, and gain valuable insights to inform their future goals beyond Kimbolton.
We are continually working to strengthen our connections with both our Old Kimboltonians (OKs) and local employers who generously give their time to support our careers events. In 2026, for example, we will be hosting a variety of activities including speed networking, mock interviews, and enterprise days for different year groups.
Mrs Southern, our Careers Adviser, is actively involved with two local networking groups, fostering mutually supportive relationships that benefit both our pupils and the local business community.
If you are a parent who owns a local business or would like to learn more about these networking groups—and then in turn perhaps get involved in supporting our pupils—please see the information below and get in touch directly with the organisers.
THREE SHIRES Networking Group – First Wednesday of the month 10.30-13.00h
Three Shires is a lively and welcoming business network run by an OK. It brings together everyone from sole traders to thriving companies across Kimbolton and the surrounding villages. Now celebrating its tenth year, the group is a vibrant mix of talents — from a micro-baker and cathedral organist to lawyers, artists, website designers, and virtual assistants. Members range from seasoned managing directors to ambitious apprentices and undergraduates, all sharing ideas, experiences, and a passion for what they do.
Everyone welcome, small charge to include tea, coffee and occasionally champagne!
For more information please contact johnhitchin@btinternet.com/07702 597 670
KIMBOLTON CONNECTS Networking Group – Third Wednesday of the month 19.00-21.00h
Kimbolton Connects is a friendly local networking group for business owners, professionals, and community leaders in and around Kimbolton. Meeting monthly at local venues in the evening where members share ideas, build connections, and support one another in a relaxed setting. It’s a supportive community whose members actively network both within and beyond the group, always eager to help and champion one another’s businesses.
As a lockout group (one member per profession), we always welcome visitors who would like to see how the group works and connect with others locally.
One of the organisers, a Kimbolton parent who runs the Kimbolton Online website, has created a page featuring parent-owned businesses — also a great place to join or show your support.
For more information please email hello@kimbolton.online