Careers & Work Experience: Building a Bolder Future

Careers Education

Careers education continues across all year groups in Terms 2 and 4, supported by Unifrog, our comprehensive online careers platform. Unifrog helps students explore future pathways — from higher education to apprenticeships and employment — while recording activities and experiences that build employability skills.

All students have access to Unifrog, and Year 7 students will receive their login details after half term. We encourage everyone to use the platform regularly to explore career options, university courses, and personal interests.

Parents and carers can also create their own Unifrog account to support their child’s journey. Visit www.unifrog.org/code and use the code ACEFparents to sign up — please register using your own name and email address. A short introduction video is available on the site.

Careers Talks, Events, and Assemblies

We aim to give every student a clear understanding of the full range of pathways open to them. Throughout the year, we invite training providers, employers, and higher education representatives to deliver talks, assemblies, and workshops.

Our Higher Education & Apprenticeship Fair, held on Friday 19 September, was another great success — the third biennial event of its kind at The Langley Academy. Over 20 organisations engaged with students from Years 11, 12, and 13, offering valuable insights into higher education and apprenticeships.

Representatives from universities including Cambridge, St Mary’s, Hertfordshire, Oxford Brookes, UCFB, Reading, and Brunel joined local colleges such as Uxbridge, Reading, and the Windsor Forest Group. Apprenticeship providers including AWE, Frimley Health, the British Army, and K10 Construction (representing the Heathrow Academy) offered first-hand advice on vocational routes and opportunities beyond the classroom.

Work Experience

Work experience is evolving — and so is our approach. Following new government guidelines (May 2025), all students must now complete 10 days of work experience by the end of Key Stage 4.

These 10 days can be completed flexibly between Years 7–11, through activities such as:

• immersive employer-led projects

• industry challenges

• work insight days

• traditional in-person placements

Placements can take place during Year 12 term time or during school holidays for Years 10 and 11. Quality virtual work experience also supports the overall programme, helping every student experience the world of work and explore different careers.

A Message to Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping young people prepare for their futures. Encouraging your child to explore their interests, reflect on their experiences, and ask questions about the world of work can make a lasting impact.

If your workplace can offer work experience placements, insight days, or take part in mock interview events, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at careers@langleyacademy.org

Careers Information, Advice and Guidance

Our dedicated Careers Adviser, Melissa from Learning to Work, continues to deliver personalised guidance sessions.

• Year 11 students have scheduled meetings from now through March.

• Sixth Form students will meet with Melissa as needed throughout the year.

• Year 10 students will have their sessions in the spring and summer terms.

Year 11 students should now be focusing on their Post-16 options. With local Sixth Forms and colleges hosting Open Evenings and Taster Days, we encourage all students to attend and explore their choices.

Students should make both Plan A and Plan B applications — for example, if Sixth Form is Plan A, a relevant college course could serve as a strong back-up. Likewise, apprenticeship applicants should also apply for a college course in case a placement isn’t confirmed by September. Remember, a college offer can always be declined later, but missing an interview or offer may limit your options.