Futures Programme & Careers

An innovative Futures programme

The results of our Futures programme speak for themselves – we consistently send a very high proportion of leavers to their first choice destination (92% in 2024). Recognising that every student has different strengths and weaknesses, the futures team works closely with each one to ensure they are aware of the many opportunities which exist for them, whether at university, through an apprenticeship or work.

The support programme starts in Year 12. Each student has regular one to one sessions to ensure that they put together the most competitive application possible. Access to Unifrog, the destinations platform and world’s largest database of post-18 learning opportunities, ensures that students have the most up to date information on the study pathways and destinations available to them. The helps them to make informed decisions about their future and stay on track with their applications.

Claremont School - Futures Programme

We regularly bring in external speakers for additional inspiration. Past speakers have introduced students to the latest developments in anti-doping tests using genetics-based technology; the engineering required for Taiwan High Speed Rail; the role of technology in enhancing athlete performance and the world of reinsurance.

The highlight of the programme is Futures Week, when sixth formers spend a week off timetable focusing on identifying their future pathway. We look at key factors for success when applying to university or for an apprenticeship, studying abroad, gap years, work experience and academic opportunities outside of the school curriculum.

The week also covers broader “life skills” including grocery shopping and cooking on a budget, car maintenance, first aid for students and managing money.

Claremont School - Futures Week Square June 2024
Claremont School - Innovative

Students in Years 9 – 13 are facing important decisions about their future earlier than ever. Government reforms have resulted in a shift to a more rigorous and academically approach to most subjects. However, industry has identified the need for an alternative route into careers by expanding the number of vocational options available.

The difficulty that all schools continue to face is how to create opportunities which help students, parents and teachers engage in useful conversations which will help young people make realistic choices about future careers and ambitions. Claremont’s approach to delivering comprehensive and relevant ‘careers guidance’ puts students’ strengths and ambitions front and centre. The careers programme aims to achieve each of the following from Year 8 – Year 13:

  • Create meaningful interactions with local employers and industries.
  • Expose students to a wide array of information surrounding various careers.
  • Coach students through the process of identifying strengths and ambitions.
  • Enable students to create and enact a plan that gives them confidence in their choices when leaving Claremont.
  • Provide coaching based on a partnership with students, their teachers, and their parents or carers.
  • Raise aspirations, challenge stereotyping and actively promote equality and diversity.
  • Use Gatsby Benchmarks to improve careers provision.

Our student-focused learning programme builds bespoke study paths which play to our students’ strengths and different motivations. We have a proven track record for preparing students for the challenges of Senior School, GCSEs and A Levels and our success is reflected by the broad and diverse range of highly regarded universities and employers

Most recently, this has included Oxford, Manchester, Exeter, PriceWaterhouseCooper, UCL and Nottingham; with the more creatively-driven, heading to Bird College, Ravensbourne and other top institutions specialising in the Arts. Students also consistently perform well in the more industry directed and increasingly popular BTEC courses.

Read about some of our successful Year 13s

Claremont School - A level results 2024

From vocational and academic to cultural and entrepreneurial, whatever paths our students choose to take after Claremont, our progressive, student-focused learning programme ensures they have the right balance of knowledge and skills to take their next step with confidence.

Claremont School