At Kimbolton, preparing pupils for life beyond school is about far more than helping them choose their next destination. Our careers programme is designed to broaden horizons, build confidence and equip every pupil with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to make informed decisions about their future.

Our annual Careers Education Strategic Review has highlighted another exceptional year of careers education, with pupils benefiting from an expanding programme of employer engagement, careers guidance and real-world learning across every stage of school life.

A programme reaching every pupil

This year saw careers education become even more deeply embedded across the school.

More than 700 pupils, parents and visitors attended our annual Careers Fair, with every First, Second and Third Form pupil taking part for the first time. The event brought together employers, universities and training providers, giving pupils the opportunity to explore a wide range of future pathways and speak directly with professionals from a variety of industries.

Throughout the year, pupils also benefited from:

• 100% engagement with the Xello careers platform, enabling careers exploration both in school and at home.
• A dedicated finance education day for every pupil.
• Employer-led Future Friday breakfasts spanning ten different industries, attended by more than 400 pupils.
• Lunchtime employability workshops attended by over 160 pupils.
• Evening careers webinars enjoyed by more than 150 pupils and parents.
• Speed networking and mock interview opportunities with employers.
• Bespoke subject-specific careers talks and visiting speakers.
• A Languages Careers Day for all Fourth Form pupils.
• Careers exploration events for First and Second Form pupils.
• GCSE and A Level subject taster events supporting important option choices.
• Careers learning embedded within educational visits and school trips.
• Multiple information evenings supporting pupils and parents.
• Dedicated Post-18 assemblies for Sixth Form students.

Powered by our community

One of the greatest strengths of careers education at Kimbolton is the support of our wider community.

Alongside a growing network of more than 20 local employers, many of our parents and Old Kimboltonians (OKs) generously give their time and expertise throughout the year. Whether leading careers talks, delivering workshops, supporting employer breakfasts, conducting mock interviews or sharing their own career journeys, they provide pupils with invaluable first-hand insight into a wide range of professions.

These partnerships help bring careers education to life, enabling pupils to develop their understanding of the workplace while building confidence, asking questions and making meaningful connections.

“Careers education at Kimbolton is about more than preparing pupils for their next step – it’s about giving them the confidence, knowledge and real-world experiences to thrive in whatever future they choose.”

A whole-school approach

This year also marked an exciting milestone with the introduction of careers education into the Prep School, strengthening our commitment to an all-through approach.

By encouraging pupils to think about their interests, strengths and aspirations from an early age, we are helping them develop the confidence and curiosity that will support them throughout their educational journey and beyond. The programme continues to build naturally as pupils progress through the school, ensuring careers education is not a one-off event, but an integral part of the Kimbolton experience.

Recognition for excellence

This commitment to preparing pupils for the future has also been recognised externally.

During the year, the school’s careers provision received positive recognition through our ISI inspection, reflecting the breadth, quality and impact of the opportunities available to pupils.

From employer encounters and careers fairs to finance education, interview practice and subject-specific guidance, careers education at Kimbolton is about inspiring ambition, broadening horizons and ensuring every pupil feels prepared for whatever path they choose.

Our annual review confirms that careers education continues to be one of the strengths of a Kimbolton education, helping every pupil leave with not only excellent qualifications, but also the confidence, skills and understanding to thrive in an ever-changing world.