On Wednesday we were delighted to welcome Pod Personal Training into school to deliver an inspiring and empowering talk to our Year 10 girls. Chloe and Molly began by introducing themselves and sharing their personal journeys into the fitness industry. They spoke honestly about their experiences, the challenges they have overcome, and how strength training has shaped both their careers and their confidence. This immediately helped to build rapport and showed our students what is possible with determination and self-belief.
They then introduced Pod Personal Training and Indigo Fitness, explaining why they are passionate about working with young people. Through an engaging icebreaker, students were encouraged to explore their perceptions of weights and strength training, uncovering common misconceptions and stereotypes.
The session covered:

 *   What strength training actually is and how it benefits the body

 *   Breaking stereotypes around women and strength

 *   Building confidence in the gym environment

 *   The link between strength training and positive mental health

 *   The long-term benefits of strength for life, including pathways into careers within sport and fitness
A powerful part of the session focused on challenging outdated views about women lifting weights and reinforcing that strength is not just physical - it is mental and emotional too. This message strongly reflected our school value of Self-Belief, encouraging students to step outside of their comfort zones and recognise their own potential. Chloe and Molly also highlighted the importance of Resilience, explaining that progress in training - and in life - takes consistency, patience and the ability to keep going even when things feel challenging. Students were reminded that setbacks are part of growth. Throughout the talk, there was a clear emphasis on Integrity - showing up for yourself, committing to your goals, and making positive choices that support your wellbeing. The students engaged maturely, asked thoughtful questions, and represented the school brilliantly.
We are excited to now be launching a 4-week strength training programme in partnership with Pod Personal Training at Indigo Fitness. A selected group of Year 10 students will attend weekly workshops at the personal training studio, where they will develop their knowledge of strength training, improve their technique, and most importantly, build their confidence in a supportive gym environment.
This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to grow not only physically, but personally - developing self-belief, resilience and integrity in a real-world setting.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact this programme will have over the coming weeks.

Students and staff at Etone College will come together to celebrate an engaging and impactful Careers Week 2026, designed to raise aspirations, broaden horizons and equip every year group with the knowledge and confidence to plan their future pathways.

Throughout the week, students will take part in a series of dedicated careers assemblies and curriculum-based lessons, all tailored to support them at key stages of their journey.

Each year group will attend a specially designed assembly relevant to their stage of development. Sessions will explore a wide range of post-16 and post-18 pathways, including academic routes, technical qualifications and apprenticeships. Particular emphasis will be placed on helping students understand the breadth of apprenticeship opportunities available locally and nationally, and how these combine practical experience with recognised qualifications.

Assemblies will also focus on identifying and developing transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, resilience and problem-solving — skills highly valued by employers across all sectors. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their strengths and consider how they can continue building their employability profile throughout their time at Etone.

A highlight of the week will be the celebration of the College’s growing alumni network. Students will hear how former Etone learners have progressed into diverse careers and industries, reinforcing the message that there are many successful routes to achieving personal and professional goals.

In addition to assemblies, Careers Week will be embedded into lessons across subjects. Students will explore:

• Personal branding – understanding how to present themselves positively both in person and online, and recognising the importance of digital footprints.

• Labour Market Information (LMI) – analysing employment trends, growth sectors and local opportunities to help inform realistic and ambitious choices.

• Goal setting – learning how to set SMART targets and create clear action plans to move towards their aspirations.

These sessions will encourage students to think critically about their futures, linking classroom learning to real-world opportunities and helping them understand how subject knowledge connects to careers.

To mark the launch of the College’s revamped careers area in the library, we will run an exciting competition for all students. Pupils will be invited to visit the space, explore the resources and complete a short challenge to show what they have learned. The best entry will win a £10 voucher.

The careers area will be home to a range of prospectuses, LMI guides and interactive displays designed to support students in researching options and planning next steps. Full details of the competition and how to enter will be available in the library.

We will also encourage students and families to explore our careers resources online. Our updated Careers Website will provide information on pathways, apprenticeships, job sectors and helpful tools to support decision-making:
https://matrixcareersguide.co.uk/etone-college/

Students and parents will also be able to watch our inspiring alumni video, showcasing former Etone students sharing their journeys and advice:

Careers Week 2026 will demonstrate Etone College’s continued commitment to preparing students for life beyond school. By combining practical guidance, inspirational examples and up-to-date labour market insight, the week will ensure that every student  from Year 7 through to Year 11  is given meaningful opportunities to reflect, plan and aim high.

We look forward to an exciting and purposeful week as we continue to support our young people in becoming confident, informed and ambitious individuals ready for the world of work.

Recently, selected students at Etone College took part in an exciting and informative training programme led by the Careers Hub, designed to prepare them for their role as Student Careers Ambassadors. The training focused on developing their understanding of the wide range of qualifications and pathways available to young people, enabling them to confidently support and mentor younger students in the future.

During the sessions, students explored different qualification routes, including GCSEs, A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, apprenticeships and other post-16 and post-18 options. The Careers Hub provided clear guidance on how these qualifications work, who they are suited for, and how they can lead to further education, training or employment. This ensured the ambassadors gained a well-rounded and up-to-date knowledge of the education landscape.

As well as learning about qualifications, students developed key communication and mentoring skills. They discussed how to offer impartial advice, share personal experiences appropriately and signpost younger students to reliable sources of support when needed. This training will allow them to act as positive role models and trusted peers within the school community.

The Student Careers Ambassadors will use their new knowledge to peer mentor younger pupils, helping them to understand their options and feel more confident when thinking about their futures. This peer-led approach is particularly valuable, as students often find it easier to engage in conversations with those who have recently faced similar choices themselves.

Etone College is proud of the commitment shown by the Careers Ambassadors and grateful to the Careers Hub for delivering such high-quality training. This initiative will play an important role in strengthening careers education across the school and empowering students to make informed decisions about their next steps.

Our Year 8 students recently embarked on an out-of-this-world adventure thanks to a visit from the Smallpeice Trust, taking part in an exciting STEM day titled “Road to RIOT: Blast Off!”

For the day, the classroom transformed into a buzzing mission control as students became teams of designers, aerospace engineers, landing gear specialists, and marketing executives. Their challenge? To plan a bold new planetary research expedition to a newly discovered world and design a lander capable of safely arriving on Mars.

Working in teams, students explored the real-world problems faced by space agencies, from protecting delicate scientific equipment during landing to creating eye-catching branding to “sell” their mission to potential sponsors. They sketched designs, tested ideas, solved engineering challenges, and presented their final concepts with confidence and creativity.

The day was packed with teamwork, problem-solving, and plenty of “aha!” moments as students discovered how science, technology, engineering, and maths come together in real careers. Most importantly, it sparked curiosity and showed just how exciting a future in STEM can be.

A huge thank you to the Smallpeice Trust for inspiring our young engineers and helping our Year 8 students truly blast off on their road to RIOT! 🌍✨

Year 7 had careers talk  from the National Farmers Union (NFU)  Brian and John, two local farmers , came to speak to us about where our food comes from and what careers are available in the agriculture . We were also able to explore why it is important to support British Farmers.  Our pupils engaged really well and asked some insightful questions. 

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.

Etone College proudly hosted its annual Careers Fair this week, bringing together a wide range of employers, education providers and training organisations to help students explore the exciting opportunities available to them after leaving school.

The event, held in the  sports hall, welcomed pupils from across all year groups. Students had the chance to meet representatives from local and national companies, apprenticeship schemes, colleges, universities, and public services. Exhibitors included businesses from sectors such as engineering, healthcare, construction, finance, hospitality and the armed forces.  We also had representees from different universities and colleges. 

Throughout the day, students engaged in meaningful conversations about career pathways, entry requirements and the skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace. Many also took part in interactive activities, gaining hands-on insight into different industries. The fair aimed to broaden students’ horizons, helping them discover roles they may not have previously considered.

“The Careers Fair is an important part of our commitment to ensuring every student receives high-quality guidance about their future. Events like this encourage our young people to think ambitiously, ask questions, and begin planning for life beyond school.”

Students described the fair as informative and motivating, with many noting that they now feel more confident about making decisions regarding GCSE options, post-16 routes and long-term ambitions.

We would like to thank all organisations who attended and contributed to the day’s success. Their support plays a crucial role in helping students build aspirations and understand the wide variety of opportunities available to them, helping them to be competitive members of the workforce.

As always we look forward to continuing to develop strong links with employers and educational partners, ensuring every student is equipped to take the next steps towards a bright and successful future.

Our Careers Ambassadors have recently taken part in an engaging and informative training session designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to support our school’s careers programme.

The session began with an exploration of the Careers Ambassador role, emphasising the importance of being positive role models and advocates for careers education within the school community. Ambassadors will be actively involved in supporting events such as careers fairs, employer visits, and workshops, as well as promoting the value of planning for the future amongst their peers.

A key focus of the training was an introduction to the Gatsby Benchmarks – a framework of eight guidelines that define what world-class careers guidance should look like in schools. Ambassadors looked closely at how each benchmark applies to activities already taking place in school and discussed how they can contribute to ensuring every student receives high-quality support. Particular attention was paid to Benchmark 3 (Addressing the needs of each pupil) and Benchmark 4 (Linking curriculum learning to careers), where the Ambassadors have a key role to play.

We also explored Labour Market Information (LMI), helping Ambassadors understand how to access and interpret data about local and national job trends. This includes recognising which industries are growing, what skills are in demand, and how this information can help students make informed decisions about their future study and career options.

Finally, the group reviewed updates to the school website’s careers section. The Ambassadors were shown how the site is structured to support students, parents, and carers – providing access to careers advice, upcoming events, employer links, and online tools. As part of their role, Ambassadors will be helping to signpost others to the information available online and suggesting future improvements to ensure the site meets the needs of all users.