Careers Provision

Preparing students for a confident and successful future.

Careers Provision

Supporting Your child’s Future

At Southend High School for Boys, we understand that every parent wants their child to leave school confident, capable, and ready to succeed in the wider world. That’s why careers education is at the heart of what we do.

From the moment students join us, they begin a carefully planned journey of discovery—learning about their strengths, exploring their interests, and gaining a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them. We don’t just talk about careers; we bring them to life through real experiences, meaningful guidance, and ongoing support.

Our vision

A planned programme, from Year 7 to Year 13

It is part of the vision and mission of Southend High School for Boys that all learners have a planned programme of activities to help them choose 14-19 pathways. These plans should be right for them so that they leave school in a strong position to be able to manage their careers, sustain employability and achieve personal and economic well-being throughout their lives.

The careers journey

By year group

Year 7

Introduction to Unifrog. Students will explore the functionality of Unifrog and see how it can support their future career aspirations.

Year 8

Pathway planning as students begin to consider their GCSE options.
Challenge stereotypes in the workplace workshop.
What does success mean to you? Students start to think about what a career means to them.

Year 9

Students look at the changing world of work and the importance of adaptability. They learn how to identify the relationship between skills, qualifications, interests and work.
At the end of the year, students participate in a ‘go to work with a parent’ day.

Year 10

Students explore the importance of employability and the skills they will require in the workplace.
All students take part in a ‘mock interview’ exercise run with the support of local business, parents and alumni. They learn how to complete a job application, CV and covering letter.

Year 11

Students are provided with information and guidance as they make choices around their post-16 options.
They receive information on all qualifications available, as well as details of local providers.
Students explore how their decisions can affect post-18 options and look at university entry, degree and higher apprenticeships, gap years and employment.
Every Year 11 student receives a one-to-one careers guidance session with our independent Careers Adviser.

Years 12 & 13

Sixth Form students follow a programme of self-development throughout their time with us.
Information is shared with students regarding quality work experience placements (virtual and actual), employment opportunities, university open days, summer schools and masterclasses.
Support is given throughout the UCAS process to all students, including Oxbridge and Medicine/Vet/Dentist applicants.
Apprenticeship applications are supported at every level and students are able to access careers advice, information and guidance from either our Post-18 Student Adviser, or our independent Careers Adviser.
Parents and students are invited to take part in an ‘Introduction to Post-18 Choices’ presentation in Year 12 and a ‘Student Finance’ information event in Year 13.

Individual support

Personalised guidance for every student

Every student, every step

Every student benefits from personalised guidance, including one-to-one careers interviews, so that the decisions they make are right for them.

Tailored Sixth Form support

In the Sixth Form, support becomes even more tailored. Whether your son is considering university, an apprenticeship, or entering employment, he will be guided every step of the way—from applications and interviews to understanding student finance and life beyond school.

Our network

Employers, universities and alumni

We are proud to work with a wide range of employers, universities, and organisations, as well as our own former students, who return to share their experiences and inspire the next generation.

Most importantly, our aim is simple: to ensure your son leaves us not only with excellent qualifications, but with the confidence, skills, and direction he needs to build a happy and successful future.