Our Year 11 students recently enjoyed an inspiring and informative visit to the University of Birmingham, giving them a valuable insight into life after GCSEs and the many opportunities that lie ahead. As they prepare for the crucial months to come, this trip offered the perfect chance to think about their futures and explore what higher education can offer.

The day began with a talk focused on the importance of Year 11 and beyond, encouraging students to reflect on their goals, revision habits, and the pathways available after their GCSE exams. University staff explained how the choices students make now can open doors to an exciting range of future careers, helping put their current studies into perspective.

Students then attended a session on what Higher Education actually is, breaking down key ideas such as degree levels, course structures, vocational routes, and the wide variety of subjects universities offer. The talk also covered student finance, giving a clear overview of tuition fees, maintenance loans, and the support available to ensure university remains an option for everyone.

Afterwards, students were treated to a tour of the campus, exploring lecture theatres, study spaces, the impressive library, and some of the university’s state-of-the-art facilities. A student life tour, led by current undergraduates, gave our Year 11s the chance to ask questions about accommodation, societies, timetables, and what it’s really like to live and study at a major UK university.

Teachers accompanying the trip commented on how engaged and enthusiastic the group were throughout the day. Many students left feeling motivated, reassured, and excited about the possibilities ahead.

This visit offered an excellent opportunity for Year 11 to broaden their horizons and start thinking seriously about their next steps. We are incredibly proud of how they represented the school and hope the experience helps them as they continue their journey towards future success.

Well done, Year 11—your future starts now!

Our Year 8 students recently had an exciting opportunity to step into the world of cutting-edge technology during a special visit to MIRA Tech Park, one of the UK’s leading centres for engineering and innovation. The trip formed part of ongoing discussions to establish a dedicated AI Awareness Session for young learners, designed to inspire the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and technological pioneers.

The proposed programme was a three-hour immersive event, giving students a chance not only to hear about artificial intelligence but to see it in action. The day included a series of short talks delivered by industry experts, followed by hands-on rotations around several workstations. These stations will showcase real examples of how AI is used across different sectors from automotive engineering and robotics to data analysis and safety testing.

During the visit, our Year 8s gained an early glimpse of what such an experience will look like. Students were fascinated to discover how AI supports autonomous vehicle development, improves road safety, and helps engineers solve complex challenges more efficiently. 

Teachers accompanying the group were impressed by the enthusiasm and curiosity Year 8 showed throughout the visit. Students asked thoughtful questions, engaged keenly with the demonstrations, and left with a clearer understanding of the exciting and rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

We look forward to continuing our work with MIRA Tech Park as we develop this AI Awareness event. It promises to be a brilliant opportunity to broaden students’ horizons and help them see how the skills they are building in school connect to the real world.

A huge well done to Year 8 for representing our school so brilliantly we can’t wait to see where their curiosity takes them next!

We are incredibly proud of our Young Careers Ambassadors, whose enthusiasm, commitment and leadership have made a real and lasting impact across our school community so far this year. Their willingness to step forward, support others and help shape our careers events has been truly inspiring.

This year, our ambassadors played an essential role in the success of the Careers Fair, greeting visitors, guiding students and ensuring the event ran smoothly from start to finish. Their professionalism and confidence created a welcoming atmosphere and helped many students feel more at ease when exploring future pathways.  All of the visitors to school commented upon their professionalism and enthusiasm.  

Alongside this, the ambassadors will be deeply involved in peer mentoring, offering support, encouragement and practical advice to fellow students. Whether through one-to-one conversations or group sessions. 

They have also taken the lead in supporting a range of other careers-related activities throughout the year. Their creativity and initiative have helped strengthen our whole-school careers culture.

Our ambassadors summed up their experiences in their own words:

“I like being helpful.”
– Joel

“I like being a Careers Ambassador as it gives me opportunities.”

“It has helped me develop my communication skills.”

- Harvey

“I like being a Careers Ambassador because I love to help out. My favourite part is bringing visitors to different events and communicating with them.”
– Kristina

“It helps me with public speaking and has helped me gain a wider understanding of different jobs available for me in my next steps.”
– Mahi

“I like seeing all the jobs that different people do it inspires me.”

– Ella Rose

These reflections highlight exactly why we are so proud of them. Their dedication, positivity and willingness to grow have not only enriched their own skills but have also made a meaningful difference to the wider student community.

We would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to each of our Young Careers Ambassadors. You have shown exceptional commitment and set a brilliant example for others to follow. We cannot wait to see what you continue to achieve.