Kirkby High School hope to develop engagement and aspiration of our young people through a variety of events, activities and talks. 

Our careers curriculum begins in Year 7, where students are encouraged to consider their skills and personality to better understand the options they might choose in the future. This is delivered through PD lessons and extended form time, where students explore the concepts of careers, jobs and what it means to be employed. Students are also invited to attend university workshops and have access to local employers at our annual Careers Fair, giving all students the opportunity to raise and maintain aspirations as they begin their journey at KHS. All students receive careers-related learning through careers in the curriculum, highlighting potential job and career pathways linked to each subject they study, and access to careers advice with Mr Butler. As new opportunities arise, students also have access to employer workshops, encounters and visits, such as #StepIntoTheNHSDay. 

In Year 8, students are given the opportunity to speak to a variety of experts, including employers, apprenticeship providers, college staff and universities, during our Careers Fair. All Year 8 students take part in the 8 for 8 Challenge, which includes careers advice and 1:1 support sessions, enabling them to engage with careers and begin planning their post-16 pathways. Students are invited to take part in Chemical Engineering Industry Day delivered by DiscoverChemGen, where they gain first-hand experience of careers within the industry through practical activities and engagement with professionals. We hope that by the end of Year 8, students will have a detailed understanding of the breadth of careers available to them and the skills employers are looking for. This is supplemented by further work undertaken during extended form time about life in higher education.

In Year 9, students make their GCSE subject choices, and we encourage them to reflect carefully on their opportunities through a comprehensive options programme supported by apprenticeship providers, universities and colleges. Every student is offered an individual meeting with a member of the Senior Leadership Team to discuss their options and aspirations. Through our annual Careers Fair, students also have the opportunity to meet representatives from local colleges and training providers, providing impartial guidance on their post-16 options. A variety of colleges attend our Parents' Evening to support both students and parents in making informed GCSE choices. As further opportunities arise, students also benefit from employer workshops, encounters and visits, including visits to Adlib, LIPA and subject-specific career-related experiences.

In Year 10, our focus shifts to developing aspirations and striving for achievement. Alongside the annual Careers Fair, students have opportunities to engage with representatives from a range of colleges, universities and apprenticeship providers, helping them to understand the different pathways available. All students are given 1:1 support from Mr Butler and supported in completing a work experience placement, providing a valuable opportunity to experience the world of work first-hand. We encourage students to secure their own placements, helping to develop resilience, confidence and aspiration. A structured six-week programme of PD lessons prepares students for their placements, and employer feedback is consistently positive, with students also gaining valuable labour market information (LMI). Later in the year, students visit two local colleges, WLC and KCC, allowing them to experience post-16 education and make informed decisions about their next steps.

In Year 11, students are offered a minimum of three 1:1 interview with our Careers Adviser, Mr Butler, to discuss their plans for life after Kirkby High School. All students are encouraged to submit at least three applications for post-16 pathways, supported by visits from further education providers during lunchtime and Mr Butler's weekly Application Club, held every Monday after school. These opportunities help students map out their career goals and understand the different routes available to achieve them. Higher education providers also attend Parents' Evenings to support students and parents in making informed post-16 decisions. Throughout Year 11, form time and PD sessions focus on post-16 options and the application process, with staff providing support throughout. Colleges and apprenticeship providers also deliver assemblies to ensure all students receive a broad range of information to help them make well-informed choices.