Careers Bulletin March 2026
National Careers Week this month! We will host our own Careers Fair on Thursday 5th March. 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 is a special edition with information on how parents and pupils can prepare to get the most out of the careers fair.
Career related events in March for your diary
Kimbolton School Careers Fair Thursday 5th March 2026
This will be a huge event in our calendar and will involve ALL senior school pupils 1st-3rd during the daytime and 4th-U6th in the evening. 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 universities, degree apprenticeship providers and 12 talks to choose from (limited places available)- please sign up on the poster below or QR code and also look out for the parent letter coming out soon!
To prepare for this event all pupils will go through a careers fair preparation presentation in their tutorial time. They will be given information on what questions to ask and what information might be useful to them. The presentations are below for all pupils and parents to view before attending the event.
1st-3rd Form Careers fair preparation tutorial
4th-U6th Form Careers fair preparation tutorial
Other events happening in National Careers Week
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
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
Choosing your career pathway
If you’re reading this as a pupil and thinking, “I have no idea what I want to do!” — that’s completely normal.
If you’re reading this as a parent and wondering how your child is supposed to decide their future at 16 or 18 — you are not alone.
Here is the most important message:
You do not need to have your whole life planned. You just need to know your next step – whether that is your next step towards a goal you have in mind or a next step to explore something new or an opportunity that will help you work out your goal.
Know and understand yourself
At school, one of the main aims of careers education is not to hand you a job title and say, “That’s the one.” It is to help you know and understand yourself.
- Who you are
- What your strengths are
- What you value
- What genuinely interests you
- What motivates you
Are you creative? Analytical? Practical? A natural leader? Do you enjoy helping people, solving problems, building things, performing, organising or designing?
When you understand yourself, everything else becomes clearer.
Choosing a pathway without knowing yourself is like buying shoes without knowing your shoe size!! We support all our pupils at school to know and understand themselves through our curriculum, super curricular and extra curricular activities.
Be curious and explore
Once you understand yourself better, it is time to explore. Not guess. Not follow a friend. Not choose something just because it sounds impressive.
Be curious and explore.
The world of work is huge and constantly changing. Many of today’s pupils will:
- Change jobs multiple times
- Change careers entirely
- Work in roles that do not yet exist
- Possibly have more than one job or project at the same time
The employment landscape is no longer one straight ladder. It is more like a climbing frame or a series of stepping stones, and career “success” is now defined by many different factors in a person’s life, not just job title or progression to the top.
Curiosity and exploration of industries and job roles matter because they allow flexibility in the journey and the ability to adapt along the way when required. The changeable and sometimes unstable job market ahead means that pupils who can do this will be well equipped for the world they are stepping into.
Research is key
Good research is powerful. That means not guessing what a job involves, but properly investigating it. Finding out:
- What the job actually involves day to day
- What qualifications are required
- What skills are needed
- What working hours are like
- What progression looks like
There are excellent websites that you can explore:
- Xello (our school careers platform)
- National Careers Service
- Prospects careers
- UCAS
- BBC Bitesize Careers
- Careerpilot
- iCould (real-life career stories)
These tools help you move from “I think I might like this” to “I understand what this involves and how to get there.” The Careers Fair this month will also be another valuable way to gather this information.
Parents can play an important role here too. Exploring options together can lead to thoughtful and supportive conversations at home.
Think beyond what you already know – Pupils and Parents
This is where the Careers Fair and the employer encounters we encourage at school are so valuable.
They help you:
- Discover industries you did not know existed
- Meet employers and training providers
- Ask real questions
- Challenge assumptions
- Think beyond the obvious
You might arrive thinking you know exactly what you want. You might leave having discovered something completely new. Both outcomes are positive, as they allow you to make informed decisions based on the information you have gained.
The goal is not to narrow your options too early. It is to widen them.
The five main pathways
At school, we value all pathways equally. Success looks different for everyone.
- University
For those who want academic study and a degree qualification. - Degree Apprenticeships
Earning a salary while gaining real workplace skills and achieving a degree. - Employment
Entering the workplace directly and building skills on the job. - Starting a Business
For entrepreneurial pupils who want to create something of their own. - A Gap Year
Gaining experience through travel, volunteering or work before taking the next step.
There is no “best” option. There is only the best option for each individual pupil.
If you already have a clear career in mind, the focus becomes goal setting and making informed decisions along the way. Choosing the right subjects, gaining relevant experience and staying flexible will help you move towards your goal.
If you do not yet know what you want to do, that is absolutely fine. You are in the perfect position to explore.
School as a springboard
School is not about narrowing your choices. It is about opening them up.
Through lessons, clubs, leadership opportunities, trips, competitions, work experience and employer encounters, pupils develop skills that are valuable in every industry:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Organisation
- Problem-solving
- Resilience
- Initiative
These transferable skills will support you whatever pathway you choose. School is a springboard, not a final destination. Not knowing your final career at 14, 16 or even 18 is completely normal.
What matters is:
- Know and understand yourself
- Be curious and explore
- Do your research
- Ask questions
- Stay open-minded
You do not need all the answers. You just need to understand your next step.
A Final Word to Parents
Young people today are entering a working world that is dynamic and evolving. Flexibility, self-awareness and research skills are more valuable than having a fixed plan too early, as these qualities will stand them in good stead for whatever may lie ahead.
Encourage exploration.
Support informed decisions.
Celebrate progress, not just outcomes.
When a pupil understands themselves and understands their options, they are not guessing their future; they are taking steps towards jobs and opportunities that will enrich their whole working life.
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
Creative career talks – Daily digital workshops for 11-15 year olds
LIVE WEBINARS – register for recordings
An exciting line up of professionals working across the creative industries to deliver a digital workshop programme that has been informed by young people.
Find out more about the different workshops below and register to let us know which workshops you are interested in.
Speakers will be announced over the next few weeks! All events will be hosted on Zoom.
Future Pathways – Apprenticeships
LIVE WEBINAR – Tuesday 3rd March 18:00-19:30h
University isn’t the only route to success and for many parents and carers, navigating today’s fast-moving careers landscape can feel overwhelming. Apprenticeships have evolved massively, offering young people high-quality careers with real employers, real salaries, and real progression. A Parent’s Guide to Apprenticeships is a free virtual event designed to give parents and guardians the confidence, clarity, and up-to-date knowledge they need to support their child’s next steps featuring insights from the BBC and other leading employers.
Hear directly from employers about:
- Who they are and what they do
- The apprenticeships they offer
- What their application process looks like
- What they really look for in applicants
The BBC session will also feature current apprentices sharing their real experiences, including how they chose an apprenticeship and how their parents felt about that decision.
Live Q&A Panel
Ask your questions and get honest, straight answers from employers, apprentices, and early careers experts.
Lloyds Banking Group – Rewrite Your Route: Real Career Journeys
LIVE WEBINAR – Tuesday 3rd March 17:00-18:00h
Join us for a fast, fun and interactive 60‑minute session where real apprentices lift the lid on their wonderfully flexible career journeys — and show you how to shape yours.
About LBG:
Lloyds Banking Group is a world-renowned commercial, personal, and investment banking management firm and the UK’s biggest Bank. LBG has over 30 million customers and around 60,000 employees globally and is an FTSE 100 company. Under the Lloyds Banking Group business, they also own Halifax and Bank of Scotland, as well as other financial institutions such as Scottish Widows.
What to Expect:
Real Talk: Honest stories from apprentices who took unexpected routes and made them work.
Skills in Action: A quick‑fire quiz + mini challenges to help you spot your superpowers.
Ask‑Us‑Anything: Your chance to grill apprentices on applications, work life, pay, pathways.
Your Next Step: Leave with simple, practical actions to start owning your future today.
British Army Careers: Seven Career Streams, Endless Opportunities
LIVE WEBINAR – Tuesday 3rd March 18:30-19:30h
In celebration of National Careers Week and International Women’s Day, join us for an insightful webinar exploring the wide range of career opportunities available in the British Army.
With seven distinct career streams including STEM, logistics, healthcare, engineering, intelligence, combat, and business-focused roles the British Army offers far more than many people expect. This session will showcase how young people can build rewarding, long-term careers, gain recognised qualifications, and develop skills for life, whatever their interests or strengths.
We’ll also shine a spotlight on women in the Army, challenging outdated perceptions and highlighting the diverse roles women thrive in today from technical and leadership positions to frontline and specialist careers.
Designed for students, parents, teachers, and careers advisers, this webinar will:
- Break down the seven Army career streams in a clear, accessible way
- Show how school subjects link directly to Army careers
- Explore training, apprenticeships, and progression routes
- Address common myths and misconceptions
- Help adults feel confident supporting young people with informed career conversations
Whether you’re supporting a young person exploring their next steps or simply want to broaden your understanding of modern Army careers, this session offers practical insight, reassurance, and inspiration.
National Trust Apprenticeships
LIVE WEBINAR – Wednesday 4th March 18:00-19:00h
Join this webinar for potential applicants who want to find out more about applying for an apprenticeship with the National Trust and feel confident and prepared for the recruitment process.
Is becoming a Doctor for me?
LIVE WEBINAR – Friday 6th March 18:30-20:00h
This presentation run by medical students is designed to help pupils decide whether ‘Medicine’, or becoming a doctor, is for them. It may also be helpful for anyone else seeking information about the process –including parents.
The evening will include:
- How do I know medicine is right for me?
- The application process
- The medical degree / life as a medic
- Foundation years (post degree)
Navigate – beyond the stereotype – trailblazing women apprentices
LIVE WEBINAR – Monday 16th March 15:30-16:00h
From construction sites to coding labs, women are redefining what it means to succeed in apprenticeships. Join this webinar to hear from apprentices and their employers who are breaking barriers and building futures in non-traditional roles.
If you register you should get a recording if you can’t make this time.
Defence and Security – sector insight
LIVE WEBINAR – Tuesday 17th March 1800-19:00h
Curious about careers in Defence and Security but not sure what they actually involve?
This virtual Sector Insights session, delivered in partnership with Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, will introduce students to the exciting, fast-moving world of defence, cyber security, data and advanced technology.
This isn’t just about the armed forces — defence and security careers span:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data science
- Cyber security
- Software development
- Electronic warfare
- Intelligence analysis
- Secure digital systems
Students will gain real insight into what these careers look like day-to-day, what skills employers are looking for, and how to access opportunities in this high-growth sector.
Hospitality, tourism and events – sector insight
LIVE WEBINAR – Thursday 19th March 1800-19:00h
The Visitor Economy is one of the region’s key sectors, offering diverse career paths in everything from hotel management and event planning to marketing, operations and business leadership.
This session will help students understand what careers in the sector look like and how to access the sector.
If you’re interested in working in hospitality, tourism, events or customer-focused industries, this session will help you understand what those careers really look like.
By joining, you will:
- Discover the variety of roles available in hotels, attractions, events, tourism and leisure
- Learn what employers are looking for in future talent
- Understand different entry routes, including apprenticeships and further study
- Hear directly from industry professionals about their career journeys
- Gain practical advice on how to stand out and prepare now
- Ask your own questions during the live Q&A
Whether you already have a career in mind or are still exploring your options, this session will give you clarity, insight and confidence about what’s possible.
Get into teaching event
IN PERSON – Thursday 19th March 10:00-15:30h LONDON
Our Get Into Teaching event in London can help you find out if teaching in a primary or secondary school is the career for you.
Whether you’re ready to start your career in teaching or just curious, our expert advisers can help you work out your next steps.
You can explore:
- help and support – there will be lots of people to help and guide you – whether you’re exploring your career options or have decided that training to be a teacher is right for you.
- meet a teacher – your chance to chat with our friendly teachers from a range of backgrounds. Ask them all the questions you have about life as a teacher.
- presentations – attend presentations that give an overview of teacher training and practical advice for your application.
- advice zone – talk to our expert advisers about eligibility, the application process, reviewing personal statements and what the training is like
- training provider zone – find out about courses and entry requirements from local teacher training providers. This is a great opportunity to speak with lots of providers in one place saving you time and effort.
- funding support – a dedicated area that covers all aspects of funding your teacher training and the options available to you.
- meet other like-minded people looking to find out more about teacher training, listen to their questions and hear about their experiences.
The event is friendly and relaxed, allowing you to drop by whenever it suits you. To fully benefit from all the opportunities available, we recommend spending a couple of hours exploring everything on offer.
Step Into Finance: Moore Kingston Smith Taster Day London
IN PERSON – Tuesday 31st March 10:00-15:00h in LONDON (L6th and U6th Only)
Curious about a career in business, audit or accounting?
Not sure university is your only option?
Join us for an exclusive, in-person Taster Day at Moore Kingston Smith (MKS) a leading multi-disciplinary advisory, tax and audit firm and discover how you could build a professional career straight after school.
At Moore Kingston Smith, people are at the heart of everything. Many of their partners started as trainees, proving that with the right support, progression is real.
You’ll get the chance to:
- ✔️ Explore apprenticeship pathways in audit and accounting
- ✔️ Meet current apprentices and hear their journeys
- ✔️ Take part in a business-focused group activity
- ✔️ Get insider tips on applications and interviews
- ✔️ Build confidence and ask your questions in a relaxed setting
If you’re aiming to secure an apprenticeship or just exploring your options — this day will give you clarity and confidence.ion will give you clarity, insight and confidence about what’s possible.
RECORDED EVENTS
Medicine: In conversation with Obaid Syed
In Conversation: Engineering with Bhavik Bhatt
In Conversation: Investment Banking with Rob Angel
Entrepreneurship: In Conversation with Rahmon Agbaje
Healthcare work experience
IN PERSON – Various dates
One day health care courses in London for pupils aged 14-18
A&E & GP Day – UCH Hospital London
• July 10th, 2026
• July 31st, 2026
Ward Round & Radiology Day – UCH Hospital London
• July 9th, 2026
• July 30th, 2026
Inside the Dissection Room – King’s College London
• July 11th, 2026
• August 1st, 2026
On Call Doctor For A Day – King’s College Hospital London
• July 17th, 2026
• August 7th, 2026
Each session is tailored to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of what a career in medicine entails, through engaging and interactive experiences.
If any of your students are interested in participating, they can register for the London days here
For students who cannot attend in person, we are also running our Online work experience week taking place from the 23rd – 27th February 2026, where students can spend 5 evenings gaining some work experience from the comfort of their own home, gaining 10 hours of certified work experience. Students can register here for the online course.
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.
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
“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. Go VIP – Peterborough volunteering
12. Go Vo
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