Careers

At John Kyrle High School, we are proud of our students and committed to supporting them to prepare confidently for their future. We provide a high-quality programme of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) for all students in Years 7 to 13, enabling them to make informed decisions, raise aspirations and explore a wide range of opportunities.

Our careers vision is underpinned by the belief:

“You can’t be what you can’t see, but you can be what you can see.”

Careers Leadership and Support

Careers provision at John Kyrle High School is overseen by Mr Bolt, Assistant Headteacher (Careers Lead), and delivered in partnership with Mrs Hayley Knapper, our on-site Careers Advisor, who is qualified to Level 6.

The Careers Team is supported by the Local Governing Body, including a named Careers Link Governor, and works closely with the Careers and Enterprise Company. Our provision is reviewed regularly using the Compass+ tool and destination data to ensure continuous improvement.

Careers Education at John Kyrle High School

Careers education is delivered through:

Tutor time
Planned World of Work sessions
Assemblies
Subject lessons

From Year 8 onwards, students participate in encounters with employers, colleges, training providers and universities. These experiences become increasingly personalised as students progress through the school.

All students use Unifrog, our online careers platform, to explore pathways, research options, record experiences and prepare applications. All careers interactions are logged and monitored through Unifrog.

Personal Careers Guidance

Mrs Knapper provides one-to-one careers interviews for all Key Stage 4 students and selected Key Stage 3 students where appropriate. Each interview results in a personalised action plan to support future decision-making.

Additional interviews are arranged for vulnerable students, and careers guidance forms part of SEN review processes where required.

Careers in the Curriculum

All subjects actively link learning to careers, helping students understand how classroom knowledge applies to the world of work. Examples include:

Child Development working with local nurseries
Technology subjects engaging with local engineering firms
The use of real-life scenarios and labour market information across a range of subjects to broaden understanding of future pathways

Careers Convention

Our annual Careers Convention takes place during the school day and includes approximately 40 exhibitors, such as employers, training providers, colleges and universities.

Every student from Year 7 to Year 13 attends during allocated time slots. Students prepare in advance by researching exhibitors and reflect afterwards on what they have learned, ensuring encounters are meaningful and purposeful.

Post-16 Pathways and Apprenticeships

We work closely with post-16 providers across Herefordshire and Gloucestershire to support students with their next steps.

In Year 11, students receive one-to-one guidance on college courses, sixth form options and application processes.

Students interested in apprenticeships are supported to explore local and national opportunities, training providers and vacancies. Apprenticeship applications are ongoing, with many opportunities advertised from Easter onwards, and some national employers closing applications earlier in the academic year.

Work Experience

Work experience is offered where it is appropriate and genuinely beneficial for students. Our aim is to broaden horizons while ensuring safeguarding requirements are met and curriculum learning is not disrupted.

Previous placements have included:

Hereford Hospital
Ross Gazette
HCR Law
Morgan Motor Company
Local nurseries and primary schools

Any placement must be discussed with Mrs Knapper at least three weeks in advance, and all required paperwork must be completed before approval.

Gatsby Benchmarks and Impact

Our careers programme is structured around the Gatsby Benchmarks, which guide continuous improvement.

Destination data demonstrates strong outcomes for our students. In 2023, only 2.8% of the Year 11 cohort were recorded as NEET, reflecting the quality of impartial advice and guidance provided.

Working with Parents and Carers

Parents and carers are kept informed through a termly Careers Bulletin, which shares key opportunities including open days, work experience, apprenticeships and useful resources.

We value the vital role that families play in supporting young people with career decisions.

Contact Us

For careers enquiries, please contact:

Mrs Hayley Knapper
Careers Advisor
hayleyknapper@jkhs.org.uk

If you wish to view further information on apprenticeships or careers, please click on the links below: