Career Leader Welcome
Dear families,
We recently held our annual Careers Drop Down Day for students in Years 7–13, giving them the opportunity to step away from their usual lessons and focus on learning about the wide range of career pathways available to them. Throughout the day, we were delighted to welcome a number of external professionals from a variety of industries who generously gave their time to speak with students about their roles, career journeys and the skills required in their fields. These real-world insights are incredibly valuable in helping students understand how the subjects they study in school connect to future opportunities. Our Year 7 students particularly enjoyed an interactive session where they met visiting professionals and tried to guess their jobs by asking questions about what they do, the skills they use and the environments they work in. This was a fun and engaging way to introduce our youngest students to the idea that there are many different careers they may wish to explore in the future. For older students, sessions focused more on pathways, qualifications and the steps needed to progress into different professions. These experiences are an important part of helping students make informed decisions about their futures. For our Year 11 students, this is a particularly important time of year as they begin final preparations for their GCSE examinations while also confirming their next destination for September. Students should now have applied for their post-16 pathway, whether that is joining the Sixth Form at Lodge Park Academy or moving on to a college course. Making these applications early helps ensure students have a clear plan in place as they move towards the final stage of their GCSE studies. We would like to thank all of the professionals who supported the day and helped inspire our students. Opportunities such as these play a key role in broadening students’ horizons and helping them think confidently about their future careers.
Kind regards,
Mr York
Assistant Principal for Sixth Form and Careers
Meet our Careers Team
Our dedicated team supports students as they explore the wide range of pathways available to them while developing their skills and knowledge of the world of work.
Our Careers Leader, Mr. York, oversees the whole-school careers programme, ensuring it meets the needs of all our students. Working alongside him, Ms. Corner, our Careers Coordinator, manages the day-to-day running of the programme. She is based in the library and is always happy to answer any questions students may have about their next steps.
Career Drop Down Day
Our annual Career Drop Down Day took place on Wednesday 11th February, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week.
Students took part in career-focused activities throughout the day. Year 7 explored gender stereotypes, while Year 8 learnt about jobs of the future, the importance of skills, and career exploration, and also attended a talk from Moulton College. Year 9 spent the day learning about different working patterns and workplaces, managing pressure, seeking support, and preparing for their Key Stage 4 options. They also attended an assembly delivered by the University of Leicester. Year 10 participated in sessions on identifying career preferences, mapping potential career pathways, and making a good impression.
Years 12 and 13 took part in sessions delivered by guest speakers from the charity Be More Fab, the University of Oxford, and the Department for Work and Pensions, and also supported the Year 7 Professionals Day.
It was a busy day filled with a range of activities designed to actively support the development of our students’ skills and knowledge in careers education.
Year 7 - Professionals Day
On Wednesday 11th February, we held our annual Career Drop Down Day. Students across all year groups took part in a range of activities and talks designed to develop their skills, broaden their knowledge, and deepen their understanding of the world of work. Year 7 participated in an exciting Professionals Day from 11am through to the end of Period 5. Twelve professionals from a wide range of career backgrounds joined us for the event. In their form groups, students were introduced to each visitor by name only and, using their questioning and critical thinking skills, worked together to determine each professional’s career. To add to the excitement, the challenge was run as a House competition, and the forms approached it with impressive enthusiasm and competitiveness. The day concluded with a lively Big Reveal Assembly, where Year 7 students were formally introduced to each professional and discovered the careers they represented. Visitors shared insights into their roles, including what their jobs involve, as well as the skills and qualifications required to succeed in their fields. Congratulations to 7LK and 7LG, who were joint winners of the competition. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the professionals who generously gave their time to support this event and inspire our students.
Work Shadowing Day - Friday 27th February 2026
On Friday 27th February, a small number of Year 8 students spent the day at work with a family member. The purpose of this event was to introduce students to the workplace and give them an insight into what a typical working day involves. This year, students experienced a range of roles, including a driving instructor, delivery driver, cover supervisor, retail assistant, HR administrator, teaching assistant, compliance officer, accounts administrator and forester. It was an enjoyable and valuable experience for all who took part.
Personal Careers Guidance
In line with government legislation and the Gatsby Benchmarks, every student must have at least one personal guidance meeting with a qualified careers adviser by the age of 16, and another by the age of 18.
To support this, all students in Years 11 and 13 will have a one-to-one meeting with Ms. Corner, our Careers Coordinator. These sessions will help students explore their future plans and provide tailored advice to support them in making informed decisions about their next steps. All students in these year groups will be seen by the end of the academic year.
Labour Market Information (LMI)
Labour Market Information (LMI) refers to data and analysis about jobs, employment, and the economy that helps individuals make informed decisions about their careers and education. It can play an important role in shaping the choices students make about their future career paths. LMI includes insights on employment trends, job availability, in-demand skills, salary ranges, required qualifications, and future job prospects.
North Northamptonshire Council has a vision for the economy in the area to see it become a productive, high-value location for innovation and growth at the heart of the nation, and creating opportunities for everyone to progress in work.
Open Days
To help students make informed decisions about their next steps, we strongly advise they attend open events to speak to course tutors and check out the facilities. See below for upcoming open events at local colleges and 6th forms:
- Tresham College, Corby – Thursday 16th April 2026 between 5 and 7 pm
- Tresham College, Kettering - Tuesday 5th May 2026 between 5 and 7 pm
- Moulton College – Saturday 13th June 2026 between 9 am and 12:30 pm
To book a place at these events please visit the college websites.
Students can submit their applications to college or sixth form via the institution’s website. If they need any help, they can also speak to Ms Corner for support.
Useful Websites
Below are some useful websites for exploring your future education and careers options: National Careers Service – Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service BBC Bitesize Careers - Careers at BBC Bitesize Career Pilot – Careerpilot UCAS - UCAS | At the heart of connecting people to higher education
If you would like to give us feedback on our careers curriculum, please click here to complete a short survey
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Contact Us
Telephone: 01536 203817
Email:
lpa-enquiries@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk Please be aware this mailbox is monitored by a number of individuals, please do not disclose any confidential information.
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