Careers Bulletin September 2026
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.
Welcome back!
In this issue
Senior School Careers education programme – in case you missed it in the July edition!
Medical Society for aspiring medics, dentists and veterinary scientists
What’s new and coming up in 2026-2027 in careers?
Volunteering, virtual work and career experiences
Career related events in September
- Degree Apprenticeship Academy Y13– The academy continues to support pupils as they begin to apply for these competitive apprenticeships. Pupils have already signed up for this academy, but there are still places. Please contact Mrs Southern for more information and the programme is here: Degree Apprenticeship Academy Timeline 26-27
- Friday 18th September (All Senior pupils and parents) – Future Friday Breakfast for Creative subjects and careers led by Falmouth University – 08.00-08.40h Green Room – This will focus on how creative careers are increasing and how to access them. 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 18th September (L6th Art pupils Lesson 1) – How to create a successful portfolio and creative careers as a next step beyond Kimbolton. Talk by Falmouth University that is directly related to our Art pupils to support their applications to university, degree apprenticeships and employment post 18.
- Monday 21st September Computer Science trip (4th Form Computer Science pupils) – A fantastic opportunity to visit one of our Old Kimboltonians who is the owner of Surface Generation Ltd. They will be treated to a tour, a series of mini projects to do throughout the day and able to test their ideas. All pupils will learn what it is like to be using their skills in a professional workplace – great careers exploration!
- UCAS drop in sessions (U6th) 5th, 12th,26th September – 09.00-12.00h UCAS office. For any pupils who would like help with their UCAS application. No appointment necessary.
- Manchester Group (4th Form to U6th) 22nd, 29th September – 16.20-17.45h WBLT. A chance for pupils to hear from speakers on a range of academic, social action, careers and interest topics. Contact Mr Dickens if you want to know more information.
IMPORTANT DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Build your business with degree apprenticeships – Monday 5th October 19.00-21.00h Saloon
Is your company interested in degree apprenticeships?
Kimbolton Connect is inviting parents who work with, own, or are connected to businesses that would like to learn more about degree apprenticeships. If your organisation is interested in understanding how degree apprenticeship programmes can be set up, managed, and used to develop future talent, this event is for you. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore how your business could partner with Kimbolton School to inspire students, share industry expertise, and help shape future career pathways. Join us to discover the benefits of degree apprenticeships, connect with other local employers, and find out how you can become part of our growing employer network. Please use the QR code on the poster below to register your interest or use this link
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. You can sign up for these here.
Lunchtime Insight Workshops – for pupils
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. You can sign up for these here.
Careers Webinars – for parents and pupils
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. You can sign up here
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.
Medical Society
We have an active and bespoke Medical Society (MedSoc) at Kimbolton School for those who are exploring medicine, dentistry or veterinary science. Mr Whatling (Head of Biology) leads the society and has great experience in supporting pupils of all ages as they consider these challenging but rewarding professions. All sessions are available but tailored to the pupils who are accessing the society. Pupils can sign up by emailing Mr Whatling directly.
What is NEW and coming up in 2026-2027 in careers?
We have a number of things that will boost our careers provision this year:
Careers bulletins will be changing from October. They will go to short weekly editions for pupils and a monthly update for parents. There is a 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.
- 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 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.
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.
Lloyds Bank Careers Webinar – Young Professionals
LIVE webinar – Tuesday 8th September 17.00-18.00h
Get into Law event – Young Professionals
LIVE webinar – Wednesday 16th September 17.00-19.00h
Step into STEM event – Young Professionals
LIVE webinar – Thursday 17th September 17.00-19.00h
Get into Business, Finance and Accounting – Young Professionals
LIVE webinar – Friday 18th September 17.00-19.00h
Using AI wisely – boost your applications and workplace skills
AI is already changing how applications are written and how employers make hiring decisions, so get ahead of it. Learn how to use AI the smart way to make your applications stand out, without losing what makes them genuinely yours.
Whether you’re about to write your first CV or want to sharpen the applications you’re already sending out, this is 45 minutes that could make a real difference.
- A clear understanding of how AI is changing applications, CVs and recruitment
- Insight into the skills and digital capabilities employers want to see right now
- Practical, usable techniques for using AI tools while keeping your applications authentic
- Real examples of applications that have used technology and AI successfully
- A look at where recruitment and hiring are heading next
- The chance to ask your own questions live
About A&O Shearman running the event:
A&O Shearman was formed in May 2024 when Allen & Overy merged with Shearman & Sterling, creating one of the largest transatlantic law firms in the world. Allen & Overy itself was founded in London in 1930 and was historically part of the “Magic Circle” of leading UK law firms. The firm now operates from more than 40 offices worldwide.
A&O Shearman also runs a fully funded six year Solicitor Apprenticeship, giving students the chance to qualify as a lawyer while earning a salary, with no university debt.
Become a pilot mentoring programme
LIVE ONLINE – starts Tuesday 8th September 18.00h
- The BECOME A PILOT mentored programme 2026 is now open for registration. The course runs for 13 weeks, its delivered live online mentoring students towards applying for a career as a commercial pilot.
- The course is a blend of skill based mentoring, application guidance and knowledge building linked to the GCSE/A LEVEL specification.
- Aimed to bridge GCSE/A LEVEL study into the ground school theory needed to obtain a commercial airline pilot licence.
- With a huge focus now on fully funded pilot training by British Airways Speedbird and Jet2 FlightPath thee course prepares students to write a winning application, pass the aptitude tests, pass the theory exam and skill based assessment.
- There are only 50 places available so spaces are limited – register quickly!
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.
InvestIN work experience
These are paid experiences throughout the year
InvestIN delivers immersive work experience programmes in London for students aged 15-18. With 15 competitive careers to choose from, each programme is delivered by accomplished industry experts to equip students with a 360-degree insight into their respective fields.
Our programmes provide students with the ultimate work experience:
- Gain hands-on experience with top professionals
- Explore real workplaces and prestigious professional venues
- Experience life on-campus at a top UK university, such as UCL and LSE
- Achieve UCAS points, by having your work assessed to receive a Level 3 Award in Work Experience
- Receive a certificate and industry reference letter to boost applications
- Meet like-minded students from all around the world
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.
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:
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 for parents – 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