Careers Bulletin – July 2026
The Careers Team for All Through Careers Education at Kimbolton from September 2026
Becky Southern – Careers Lead and Adviser
Andy Bull – Acting Deputy Head of Prep and leading the Careers Education Programme in the Prep School
All Through Careers Education at Kimbolton September 2026
We are delighted to share that Mrs Southern is now formally extending careers into the Prep School, ensuring pupils are introduced at an early stage to the concept of careers in a planned and progressive way.
Andy Bull is leading this work within the Prep School as we strengthen our whole-school approach, creating a joined-up careers programme that supports a smooth and seamless transition from Prep to Senior School.
In this issue
Senior School Careers Education Programme
What is NEW and coming up in 2026-2027?
Focus on starting a business or side hustle
The future of work – Jobs and skills in 2030
Virtual work and career experiences
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.
Senior School Careers Education Programme 2026-2027
Our key phrases for this year are:
- Future Focussed Curriculum – Embedded within our curriculum, pupils understand how the knowledge and skills they develop are relevant and transferable to the world of work.
- Parallel Pathway Planning – We foster a culture where pupils feel confident exploring and pursuing multiple pathways at the same time, keeping their future options open.
- Skill Stacking – As pupils acquire new skills, they recognise how these are transferable and interconnected, enabling them to become flexible and adaptable in the world of work.
Following a highly successful 2025–2026 academic year, our careers education programme has been reviewed to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of both our pupils and their parents.
Our provision is built around the national benchmarks for high-quality careers education. We deliver a structured and progressive careers programme that includes up-to-date labour market information, integrates careers learning across the curriculum, and supports meaningful workplace experiences. Pupils also benefit from regular encounters with employers and further and higher education providers.
We actively gather and use feedback from all stakeholders to help us understand priorities and ensure our provision remains relevant and impactful.
You can find full details of the 2026–2027 programme below, including the range of optional sessions available.
Future Friday Breakfasts – For Parents and Pupils
Future Friday Breakfasts—a regular event open to pupils and their parents. These sessions will feature guest speakers from a wide range of industries that reflect the interests and aspirations expressed by our pupils.
We warmly encourage you to join us for these popular informative and engaging mornings. Research consistently shows that parents play a pivotal role in shaping their child’s career choices. We hope these events will not only broaden pupils’ awareness of potential career pathways but also equip parents to support meaningful career-related discussions at home.
Lunchtime Insight Workshops
These have been developed in direct response to topics pupils in the Senior School are eager to explore. Open to all year groups, these sessions aim to provide valuable information, enabling pupils to build essential life and employability skills.
Careers Webinars
These careers-focused webinars are designed to help both pupils and parents gain a clearer understanding of careers exploration, understanding and managing transition points and post 18 pathways. Early awareness also enables pupils to seek out relevant work experience and engage in super-curricular and extra-curricular activities that will help them stand out when the time comes to leave school.
Each webinar will feature guest speakers who will share their own experiences and insights, offering a real-world perspective on the topic. These sessions will also highlight the flexibility within modern career journeys, including how pupils may pursue more than one route simultaneously which we call parallel planning—and how to manage such choices effectively.
Xello continues to support pupils with careers exploration
Through interactive assessments and reflective activities, pupils will build self-awareness, explore post-18 options, and create a personalised career plan.
Xello’s engaging tools match interests and strengths with real-world pathways, including university courses, apprenticeships, and job profiles. It complements our curriculum by helping pupils connect school learning to life beyond Kimbolton.
You can see the topics covered by each year group
For any questions about the Careers Education Programme, please contact Mrs Southern.
What is NEW and coming up in 2026-2027?
We have a number of things that will boost our careers provision this year:
- All-through Careers Provision – A continuous careers programme from Early Years through to Upper Sixth, ensuring pupils recognise the relevance of their learning from the outset and begin shaping their mindset and future ambitions early on.
- New Tutorial Programme – Six structured sessions for each year group, carefully designed to reflect pupils’ age, stage, and key transition points, supporting the decisions and information they need at each step.
- Parent Evening Appointments – Opportunities to book a meeting with the Careers Adviser, providing a chance to discuss your child’s future pathways and career opportunities both within and beyond school.
- New Parent Careers Webpage – A dedicated online resource to support your understanding and help you guide your child at home with exploration and informed decision-making.
- Weekly careers bulletin with opportunities for pupils and information for parents – Our monthly careers bulletin will cease. The feedback is that you want shorter and regular contact about events and opportunities.
- New Employer Engagement Webpage – A platform designed to connect with local employers, encouraging partnerships that provide pupils with meaningful encounters and experiences of the workplace throughout their time at school.
- Kimbolton Apprenticeship Talent Pipeline – An exciting new initiative bringing employers into school who are seeking degree apprentices. This will position us as a key talent pipeline, supporting pupils as they transition into the world of work through this pathway.
Focus on starting a business or side hustle
Summer is an ideal time to explore starting a business or a side hustle. It can enhance your CV while inspiring you to develop new skills and gain a deeper understanding of how to turn your passions and ideas into income.
Some good websites if you are considering starting a business:
53 small business ideas for students – Save the Student
Business tools | Tools and resources | The King’s Trust
How to start a business: essential tips and skills | Prospects.ac.uk
The future of work – Jobs and AI
Our last Future Friday Breakfast was focussed on ‘Will AI take our jobs? – or create opportunities that have never existed before?
The talk was given by Sheli Gupta who is an OK and is a technology entrepreneur. It was extremely well received and a summary of his talk is below:
Drawing on his own career journey and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, Sheli explored how technology has transformed the world of work over the past four decades and what this means for today’s students. He highlighted that many of the jobs now in demand did not exist when he was at school and suggested that the most successful people of the future will be those who continue to learn, adapt, and embrace change.
The session examined how AI is already affecting industries such as healthcare, business, and law enforcement, while emphasising that human skills such as curiosity, communication, creativity, critical thinking, judgement, and adaptability will become even more valuable in an AI-enabled world.
Students and parents were encouraged to view AI not as something to fear, but as a powerful tool that can support learning, productivity, and innovation when used responsibly. Sheli concluded with a simple message for the audience:
“The future belongs to people who keep learning.”
Many parents have asked how we are supporting our pupils to develop confidence, skill, and mastery in the use of AI. Our Assistant Head, Oli Chipperton, has written a brief overview outlining our approach in the Senior School. As we move into the next academic year, we look forward to sharing further developments and insights with you.
“A strong focus remains on critical thinking—helping students understand when and how to use AI appropriately, while maintaining independence and academic integrity. Guidance on digital ethics, safety, and responsible use is reinforced across subjects, PSHE, and our whole-school approach.
Our aim is to equip students with transferable skills and confidence with emerging technologies, ensuring AI enhances their thinking rather than replaces it, and preparing them to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the future.“
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.
Silver STEM Futures: University Pathway
VIRTUAL COURSE – Available from 29th June – 21st August 2026.
STEM Futures: University Pathway (previously known as Virtual Insight into University) is a comprehensive virtual experience allowing students to explore STEM studies at university including degree apprenticeships and the career opportunities that these subjects lead to. It provides access to information on university and student life, STEM projects and activities set by leading UK universities and global STEM companies, first year undergraduate lectures, live interactive sessions with academics, admissions tutors, apprentices, employers and current students.
Course structure
30 hours of study to complete flexibly over 8 weeks in the summer.
Price of course
£99 (bursaries available, click here for bursary criteria and availability)
FORAGE
This is a free online platform that gives pupils access to virtual work experience programmes created by leading employers. Pupils complete short, self-paced tasks that simulate real workplace projects, helping them explore careers and build employability skills.
How does it work?
- Pupils sign up for free and choose a career programme of interest.
- They complete practical activities online at their own pace.
- On completion, they receive a certificate that can be added to applications and CVs.
- Parents can support pupils by encouraging them to explore different career pathways and develop workplace skills.
Why use FORAGE?
- Free and flexible access to career experiences.
- Helps pupils make informed decisions about future study and employment.
- Develops confidence, skills and career awareness
Dental work experience
VIRTUAL ON DEMAND
If you’re a student with aspirations of becoming a dentist, then the Dental Mentor Virtual Work Experience Programme is an incredible opportunity that you won’t want to miss. Developed in partnership with the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, this programme provides a comprehensive and immersive virtual experience that will give you a real insight into the world of dentistry.
All you need to do is attend a Get Into Dentistry conference to start accessing the Virtual Work Experience straight away!
IBM SkillsBuild- virtual learning
VIRTUAL – multiple dates
Explore new technologies, build skills that are foundational for the workplace, and earn digital credentials to show what you’ve learned—all for free.
Discover interests you didn’t know you had and prepare for jobs, with a new skill, that are just beginning to exist with our free learning pathways:
Artificial Intelligence
Block Chain
Cloud computing
Design thinking
Professional skills
SPRINGPOD
Springpod is a free, interactive online platform that helps students explore careers, university courses and apprenticeships through virtual work experience and career programmes. Students take part in engaging activities, videos, quizzes and real-world tasks designed by employers and universities, giving them a valuable insight into different industries and career pathways. Programmes can be completed at their own pace, helping young people build skills, confidence and knowledge about their future options.
INVESTIN summer programmes
IN PERSON – throughout the summer
Work experience summer schools for ages 15-18 across 15 different industries.
For ages 12-14, explore our Career Discovery programme.
GSK virtual work experience
LIVE WEBINAR – Wednesday 1st July, 2026
It’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and actually gives you real insight into what working at a global company is like — without needing any experience.
✨ Here’s what you’ll get:
- Real behind-the-scenes insight into GSK + their people
- Practical skills employers actually look for
- Tips to boost your confidence + personal brand
- Guidance from a GSK Insider
- Career ideas you might not have considered yet
- Experience you can add to your CV, interviews & personal statements
- A personalised GSK certificate at the end 🏆
💻 What you’ll do:
- A Q&A with GSK employees
- Honest career advice + insights
- The chance to ask your own questions
- Around 7 hours across the week
- Start, stop, and learn whenever works for you
- No experience needed — literally just curiosity
There’s even a glossary resource if you need help understanding any terms.
If you’ve been wanting to explore careers but didn’t know where to start, this is a pretty solid first step
How To Plan Your Career Effectively
WEBINAR – 10:00h, Friday 10th July, 2026
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Identify your strengths, skills, and interests
✅ Explore different career pathways in tech and beyond
✅ Communicate your value to employers confidently
✅ Improve your CV and applications
✅ Build your professional online presence using LinkedIn and GitHub
✅ Set realistic career goals and create an action plan for success
Who should attend?
👉 Students interested in planning their future career
👉 Anyone considering a career in tech or looking to develop professional skills
👉 Aspiring professionals who want to stand out to employers
🧠 No previous experience or technical knowledge is needed — the session is designed to be easy to follow and accessible for all backgrounds.
Grant Thornton Ignite Work Experience
IN PERSON – Monday 17th-Thursday 20th August, 2026. Manchester
Ready to launch your future? Ignite is your chance step inside the world of accountancy and experience Grant Thornton like never before.
Over four action-packed days, you’ll dive into real projects, connect with our people, and get a true feel for what a future in accountancy could be.
Ignite is designed for Year 12 and 13 students (as of September 2026) who are keen to learn more about accountancy and business. But that’s not all – stand out during the programme, and you could fast-track onto one of our sought-after school leaver programmes, securing your future before you even leave school!
To get the most out of Ignite, we particularly encourage applications from students who are genuinely interested in starting their career through a school leaver programme after completing their studies. If you’re excited by the idea of beginning your professional journey straight from school – and want real responsibility, real learning and real development – this experience is designed with you in mind.
Young professionals summer conference
LIVE EVENT – Saturday 18th July 14:00-18:00h Friends House, London Euston
An event that has representatives from some of the biggest names in business, banking, finance, law, engineering, and technology. Some of the employers attending include
The line up of employers is:
KPMG, Google, UBS, Goldman Sachs, Farrer & Co, Lloyds Banking Group, Arm, Bird & Bird, Accenture, Charles Russell Speechlys, EY, Unilever, HSBC, PA Consulting, TLT, FDM, Visa, BDO, Grant Thornton, CIMA, A&O Shearman, World Wide Technology, The University of Law plus many more still to be confirmed.
Why You Should Attend:
- Meet top employers:
Get face-to-face with recruiters from leading global companies hiring for work experience, graduate roles, and apprenticeships. - Hear from industry leaders:
Be inspired by senior professionals sharing insider tips, career advice, and success stories. - Grow your network:
Connect with employers, experts, and ambitious young people ready to level up. - Boost your skills:
Join powerful workshops on CVs, LinkedIn, interview success, and standing out from the crowd. - More than a careers fair:
This is an exciting, high-energy event packed with real opportunities that could change your future.
This is our biggest and most exciting event yet — and places are expected to sell out fast! 🚀
If you want to meet top employers, hear from inspiring industry leaders, and gain the skills to stand out from the crowd, don’t wait, secure your spot today before it’s gone.
Please note there is a £26 booking fee to reserve your place. This helps cover venue hire, AV and tech, goodie bags, downloadable resources, and the amazing speakers we’re bringing in for the event.
Limited tickets left — don’t miss out! Click below to secure your spot!
TALENTXP work experience
ON DEMAND
Whether you’re figuring out your next steps or just want a head start on your career, TalentXP is the flexible and free way to gain experience that stands out.
Upgrade your toolkit with skills your future demands.
Experience life in the creative industry
VIRTUAL Work experience programme
Discover the exciting world of creative careers in TV and Broadcasting. Gain unique insights into what it takes to build a successful career behind the Channel 4.
This experience will open your eyes to a variety of roles across the industry and provide invaluable work experience, from technical & production to on-screen presenting, and introducing you to the talented people who make it all happen. With over 5,000 participants in the UK already gaining valuable industry knowledge, it’s your turn to dive in. Ready to explore and build your creative career?
In this programme we’ll introduce you to real careers and real people as you learn more about what goes into the thriving creative industry that you see around you. You’ll be set real world challenges, discover what could be your creative career match and get insider information from current Channel 4 Employees on what makes for a successful creative career.
British Army Supporting Education
General Resources
BASE (British Army Supporting Education) is your space to explore clear, trustworthy guidance about careers, skills and opportunities in the British Army.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or carer, we’re here to help you support young people as they make decisions about their future.
What you’ll find
- Easy-to-use resources for use in the classroom or at home
- Straightforward guidance on work experience, skills development and education pathways
- Information designed to give you confidence when supporting young people
- Insights into the roles, training and opportunities the Army offers
Why BASE exists?
Young people look to the adults around them when planning their next steps. We want to make that role easier by sharing reliable information, removing uncertainty, and giving you practical tools you can use right away.
Health and care summer expo 2026
Lower 6th LIVE EVENT – ARU Chelmsford Campus 1st July 09:30-14:10h
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in partnership with Mid and South Essex Health & Care Academy, invites sixth form students to an inspiring and interactive Health & Care Careers Expo and health based taster events.
Whether students are just exploring options or considering a future in healthcare, this event features interactive activities and demos led by ARU Student Ambassadors, hands-on career stands with professionals ready to answer questions, and Insight Talks offering a real look into daily life in healthcare roles. Attendees will also enjoy a guided tour of a university campus to experience student life beyond brochures and websites.
If you want to attend this event, you will need to contact the Headmaster for agreement.
Year 12 – Healthcare Course Taster Sessions
In addition to the Careers Expo, we are offering taster sessions for a selection of healthcare courses at ARU.
These sessions will be led by specialised academics and student ambassadors and will provide an invaluable insight into the role of the healthcare professional and course overview.
Year 12 – Superlab (Pharmaceutical and Medical Science) and Medicine Taster Day
This combined session gives students an exciting opportunity to explore Medicine, MedicalScience and PharmaceuticalScience, offering a clear overview of study pathways and the careers they can lead to.
Year 12 – Health and Care Taster Day
Join us for this taster session and explore what it’s like to work in Paramedic Science, Operating Department Practice (ODP), Social Work, Midwifery, and Nursing.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Caroline or Louise at schoolsandcolleges@aru.ac.uk
Healthcare Science Summer Programme
LIVE EVENT – Tuesday 11th-Thursday 13th August
Do you have an interest in pursuing a career in science?
Unsure if you would like to work in a lab or be patient facing?
This is your opportunity to find out about the different science departments in the NHS. Learn about Life Science, Physiological Science and more.
If you are in years 10- 13 and interested in a career within Healthcare Science and the NHS, come and join us to know more about the different career roles. Hear talks from specialists in their field and take part in practical activities to better understand tasks that would be completed in the department. Come and learn about the
wide range of jobs and careers at our Healthcare Science event. If you have any questions about this programme please contact us via the below:
cuh.workexperience.addenbrookes@nhs.net
Closing date for applications is 20th July 2026
LSE summer bootcamp
LIVE EVENT – Bootcamps will be held on LSE’s award-winning central London campus on the following dates: 6-10 July | 13-17 July | 20-24 July | 27-31 July
This July, join a five-day Innovation Bootcamp at the London School of Economics. Designed for 15–19 year olds, the programme helps you find a cause you care about and turn it into real-world impact, empowered by OakNorth (an LSE alum-founded bank!).
What you’ll gain
- Find your cause and gain hands-on experience through expert-led workshops & networking
- Work with LSE entrepreneurs & solve real-world challenges
- Improve key skills for work and life such as teamwork, problem-solving, pitching
What you will do:
Through the LSE Generate way – interactive workshops, team challenges and live business simulations – you’ll have the opportunity to tackle startup problems with CEOs and present their solutions to a panel of LSE alumni and industry experts.
The programme also includes expert-led workshops and many networking events, equipping students with practical insights from sector-leading educators and industry leaders. Beyond the hands-on experience, attendees will gain valuable knowledge and credentials that can strengthen university applications as well as future career opportunities.
“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
11. GOVO
Check these websites for free webinars every month
General work experience websites:
TalentXP – work experience on demand
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.
- UK university and apprenticeship search
- Degree apprenticeship listing A-Z
- Latest Degree Apprenticeship Listing
- 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 2026-2027 for L6th and U6th is below – 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 careers fairs, industry talks, speed networking, mock interviews, and enterprise days for different year groups.
Mrs Southern, our Careers Adviser, is actively involved with the Three Shires Networking Group that meets once a month at Kimbolton school, 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 this networking group—and then in turn perhaps get involved in supporting our pupils—please see the information below and get in touch directly with the organiser.
THREE SHIRES Networking Group – First Wednesday of the month 10.45-13.00h
Three Shires is a lively and welcoming business network run by the President of the OKA – John Hitchin. 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
Business’s that are regularly involved in our networking group and support our pupils in events are below. Please consider supporting these businesses if you need any of these services :
| Amythest Ancestry | Engraved By Elle | Shrewd PR |
| Beacon wealth – finance management | Handpicked Wine Box | Solid Bubble – graphic design and branding |
| Beverley Anne Celebrant | Hannah Carr Estate Agent | St James’ Place |
| Bystander Magazine | Hermione Banks Popple Fine Design | The Home Sorter |
| C Major Change – home sorter | Hudson Virtual – streamlining business process | Top Hat Projects – Lettings |
| Craig Burkitt Bespoke Estate Agent | Liannemarieyoga | Uplift Financial – mortgages and insurance |
| Creative hair looks | Narls Exquisite Dining – dining experiences | Vanilla Recruitment |
| Ellievisionav – AV equipment | Silver Websites | Wilson Browne Solicitors |