Destinations

Real Voices, Real Experiences  

Learning from Others

Learning from the experiences of others is a core part of our careers programme. Throughout their futures education, pupils are given regular opportunities to hear from professionals across a wide range of industries, helping them see how career journeys are shaped by personal interests, subject choices, unexpected opportunities and challenges.  

Recent events have included The Academic Woman assembly, led by three academics from Anglia Ruskin University who spoke about their diverse routes into academia and how their passions developed into long-term careers. For pupils interested in law, there is an annual trip to Keating Chambers in London, where prospective law students meet an LHS alumna who is now a practising barrister and gain insight into life at the Bar.  

In Year 9, pupils attend our now-regular “Careers With…” sessions which explore the many routes that can emerge from academic subjects. The most recent event, Careers with English, featured speakers working in documentary filmmaking, journalism, business communications and even a former royal aide, showing just how versatile subject strengths can be when applied in the workplace.  

Beyond school-based events, pupils also benefit from visits and projects that link academic themes to real-world questions. One example is our visit to the Think Human exhibition at the Derby Museum of Making, which focused on how people interact with technology, culture, and work in an evolving world. The project also involved valuable liaison with researchers from Loughborough University, who later returned to lead an Academic Extension Day with Year 9 and 10 pupils. This day brought together creative thinking, skills development and real-world problem-solving, illustrating the diverse ways knowledge can be applied beyond the classroom.  

Making It Personal

Careers Planning in Sixth Form  

As pupils move into the Sixth Form, they are supported to take a more intentional and practical approach to planning their next steps. Some arrive with clear ambitions, while others are still contemplating options; both are equally encouraged through personalised, impartial guidance.  

In the early stages of Year 12, students complete a career navigation map which is a reflective exercise aimed at helping them to recognise that they may move along their path at different speeds. They’re encouraged to pause and ‘refuel’ when needed, whether that means gathering more information, seeking advice or taking time to re-evaluate their direction.  

Guidance appointments are available to help students build on this reflection and develop a personalised action plan that evolves with them. Mrs Grainger works closely with the Sixth Form team, including the Director of Sixth Form and subject specialists, to provide coordinated, relevant support. This may include one-to-one discussions, interview preparation or advice tailored to specific subject areas and application routes.  

Importantly, our futures education programme supports all post-18 pathways – university, apprenticeships, gap years, employment, or study abroad – with the same level of attention and respect, ensuring every student feels confident and well-prepared to take their next step.  

Looking Ahead

Transition and Life Beyond LHS 

One of the final steps in our futures education is helping students prepare for the transition from school to the wider world. This stage often raises new and sometimes unexpected questions, and we believe that support at this point is just as important as it is earlier in their journey.  

Transition sessions in Year 13 offer clear, practical insight into what students can expect in their first weeks at university or in the workplace. These sessions cover key topics such as student finance, budgeting, accommodation and what to do if a course or job doesn’t feel like the right fit. There’s also a chance for students to ask the questions they might not yet have voiced and to gain reassurance as they face a period of significant change.  

Our futures education focus at LHS is always on equipping students to feel more confident, informed and independent, whether they’re heading off to study, taking a gap year, starting an apprenticeship, or exploring other opportunities.